Quick answer
In New Zealand, business lawyers typically charge $300 – $700 per hour (top-end senior commercial partners can exceed $800/hr). Common fixed-fee work is shown below.
Typical business law fees
| Service | Typical NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $300 – $700/hr (top-end senior commercial partners can exceed $800/hr) |
| Company incorporation (standard) | $800 – $1,500 |
| Shareholders agreement (template-based) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Asset sale or share sale (small business) | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Standard commercial lease review | $800 – $2,000 |
Ranges reflect typical NZ market pricing observed across published firm fee guides and Ministry of Justice / NZ Law Society published rates (e.g. court filing fees). Individual firms vary widely. Always get a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Conduct & Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.
What drives the cost
- • Transaction value and complexity
- • Number of parties and warranties negotiated
- • Whether due diligence is required
- • Tax structuring and overseas elements
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a business lawyer cost in NZ? ▾
Hourly rates run $300 – $700, with senior commercial partners higher. Standard company formation is $800 – $1,500. Small-business sale and purchase transactions typically run $3,000 – $10,000 in legal fees per side.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a company? ▾
Strictly no — you can incorporate via the Companies Office for a $118 filing fee. But shareholder agreements, share classes and tax structuring all benefit from legal advice at setup. Mistakes at incorporation are expensive to unwind.
What is the difference between a business lawyer and a commercial lawyer? ▾
Terms are used interchangeably in NZ. "Commercial" often signals transactional work (M&A, contracts, financing); "business" often signals SME advisory (incorporation, employment, leases).
Deeper guide: Read the full business law cost breakdown for worked examples, regional variation and pricing-question scripts to use when calling a lawyer.
Related
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Always obtain a written engagement letter under Rule 3 of the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act (Lawyers: Conduct and Client Care) Rules 2008 before instructing.