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Why are commercial agreements important?

The secret of business is to know something that nobody else knows.

While Aristotle Onassis’ words still ring true in the commercial world, we know that you need more than knowledge to succeed in business.

You also need to know a great commercial lawyer.

DBH lawyer sitting and desk and consulting with clients

What is a commercial lawyer?

A commercial lawyer brings to the table a wealth of experience, which is essential when you’re looking to enter into a contract or other agreement.

Your lawyer will make sure it covers all potential issues and challenges, and anticipate problems and pitfalls to make sure you’re protected. And most importantly, your lawyer will ensure the agreement reflects your wishes and intentions.

Need advice? Just ask us a question

Why choose DBH?

We’re Adelaide’s commercial law and contract specialists

  • Full range of commercial services
  • First-class experience
  • Balanced advice and due diligence
  • Outstanding legal team

When it comes to commercial agreements, we know our stuff.

We’ll give you brilliant service along with the assurances and security that are so important when you’re about to sign on the dotted line.


​Commercial agreements, leases and contracts

We draft and negotiate all types of commercial and business law agreements including:

  • Commercial contracts
  • Commercial lease agreements
  • Joint venture agreements
  • Confidentiality and distribution agreements
  • Franchise agreements
  • Partnership agreements
  • Loan agreements
  • License agreements
  • Transport and logistics agreements, including freight and carriage agreements
  • Sale of business agreements

Frequently asked questions

Getting legal advice about a commercial contract or agreement may depend on the size of the agreement and how much risk is involved.

For example, if you operate a bakery, you may have no issues in agreeing with your flour supplier for the exclusive supply of all your flour for the next six months. You know your market, and you know how to spot a great deal.

On the other hand, an agreement to provide cleaning services to a large corporation with many sites may require your business to work exclusively for one client. You’ll need legal advice to discover and assess any risks before you put all your eggs in one basket.

Likewise, if a specialised legal area covers the agreement, you’ll need specialist advice. For example, if you’re agreeing to sell your newly developed app to a third party, you’ll need expert intellectual property advice. Or, if you’re entering into a commercial lease agreement, you’ll need advice about your rights and obligations for renewal and end of lease.

While your partnership may be operating perfectly well without a formal agreement, that may not always be the case.

For example, if one partner dies, the Partnership Act may require that the partnership is dissolved, rather than allowing the surviving partner to explore other options.

If you don’t have a formal partnership agreement, we recommend legal advice so that you’re aware of all the risks of your situation. It’s also worthwhile exploring whether it’s possible to make a formal agreement.

Bringing a business agreement to an end can be a major decision.

How you go about doing this depends on the terms of the agreement and whether you have a written contract (or other document), or whether the terms are informal: for example, a verbal agreement or a series of emails.

If you wish to bring a business agreement to an end, contact us. We’ll review your situation and give you advice that’s best for you and your business.


Meet our specialised

Commercial Agreements team

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