Best Commercial Litigation Lawyers in Melbourne

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Holding Redlich
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1962
500 people in their team
English
At Holding Redlich, great law is our starting point. Across our offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns we provide a complete range of legal services for clients of all sizes including many of Australia’s largest public and private companies and all levels of...
AJH LAWYERS
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2002
50 people in their team
English
Vietnamese
Chinese
Russian
Indonesian
WE CAN HELP YOU Your expert and specialist lawyersWe are the only law firm in Victoria with Accredited Specialists in all areas of Business Law/Commercial Law,  Commercial Litigation and Immigration law for over 15 years.✔  Experts and specialists lawyers accredited by the Law...
J. King & Associates
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1999
25 people in their team
English
About Us Jamie King2019 to presentMember of the Law Institute Commercial Litigation Advisory Committee.2002Graduated as Master of Commercial Law from the University of Melbourne.1999Commenced the legal firm J King & Associates.1998Accredited by Law Institute of Victoria as a Commercial...
Ghothane Lawyers Pty Ltd
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2019
10 people in their team
English
We Are Passionate About LawWe enjoy handling challenging legal matters. Our passion for law drives us to go the extra mile to exceed your expectations.Make Law SimplerLaw is complex. Our skillful lawyers will help you understand the law relevant to your legal issues. We will explain the steps and...
Armstrong Lawyers Pty Ltd
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2000
4 people in their team
English
About usArmstrong Lawyers, based in Melbourne, provides a high level of service throughout Australia for businesses and individuals. The company is highly experienced in commercial litigation, agreements, employment, industrial relations, business buying and selling, franchising, and property...
Herbert Geer & Rundl
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1939
500 people in their team
English
About usHerbert Geer is a commercial law firm with offices in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Our dedicated team of people provide services to a wide range of corporate, private and government clients. Our success in building a respected and trusted law firm is driven by the commitment to our...

Founded in 2015
English
Giecglobal Education & Immigration Lawyer In Australia is recognized for its comprehensive expertise across immigration law, visa consulting, and educational consulting services. The firm's team combines extensive legal knowledge with practical experience, assisting individuals, families, students,...
Bardo Lawyers
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2011
50 people in their team
English
About usBardo Lawyers is a boutique firm with a national presence in the States of Victoria and New South Wales. With four offices in the Melbourne CBD (VIC), Glenroy (VIC) and Regents Park (NSW), we aim to use innovative systems and processes to ensure your solution is delivered efficiently and...
ZMK LAWYERS
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 2017
10 people in their team
English
Hindi
ABOUT USOUR FIRMZMK Lawyers is a Melbourne based general practice law firm. We offer full range of litigation & business transnational services on local, national and global level.  Our business motive is to work collaboratively with our clients to build long term...
Galbally & O'Bryan
Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1935
15 people in their team
English
Founded in 1935, Galbally & O’Bryan is one of Victoria’s leading law firms. We have a reputation for providing ethical, high-quality personal legal services, and access to justice for all of our clients.Our success over the past 80 years has been built on the calibre of our individual...
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About Commercial Litigation Law in Melbourne, Australia

Commercial litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes arising from business or commercial transactions through the legal system. In Melbourne, as in the rest of Australia, this area of law encompasses a vast range of conflicts including contractual disputes, partnership disagreements, shareholder issues, property transactions, debt recovery, breach of commercial agreements, and more. Melbourne has a vibrant and diverse business landscape, meaning commercial litigation lawyers frequently represent businesses of all sizes as well as individual stakeholders. The process can involve negotiations, mediation, court proceedings, and enforcement of judgments through various courts such as the Federal Court of Australia, the Supreme Court of Victoria, and the Magistrates’ Court.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Commercial litigation can quickly become complex, time-consuming, and costly. You may need a lawyer if you encounter any of the following situations:

  • You are accused of breaching a contract or need to enforce a contract against another party
  • Business partners or shareholders are in dispute over decisions, finances, or responsibilities
  • Allegations of misleading or deceptive conduct impact your business
  • You face claims relating to intellectual property, such as trademarks or copyright infringement
  • Disputes arise from business sale agreements, property leases, or franchising contracts
  • You need to recover debts owed to your business or defend against debt claims
  • Your business faces insolvency or is involved in bankruptcy proceedings
  • You need urgent court orders, like injunctions, to protect your business interests
  • There are allegations of professional negligence or breaches of fiduciary duty within your business

Engaging a commercial litigation lawyer ensures you receive strategic advice, understand your rights and obligations, and have experienced representation in negotiations and, if necessary, in court.

Local Laws Overview

Commercial litigation in Melbourne is governed by a mix of state and federal laws. Key legislation includes the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), Fair Trading Act 1999 (Vic), and various statutes relating to specific industries or forms of business disputes. The Supreme Court of Victoria, County Court, Magistrates’ Court, and the Federal Court can all hear commercial disputes, depending on the type and value of the claim. Procedural rules for litigation are set out in the Supreme Court (General Civil Procedure) Rules 2015 (Vic) and equivalent rules for other courts. Local laws emphasize the importance of alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation) before escalating to full court proceedings, and the courts can also order parties to attempt to settle disputes out of court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step if I am involved in a commercial dispute in Melbourne?

The first step is usually to consult a commercial litigation lawyer to assess your rights and possible strategies. Early legal advice can help you resolve the dispute before it escalates and can provide guidance on preserving evidence and complying with any relevant contractual requirements.

Are there alternatives to going to court for commercial disputes?

Yes, alternative dispute resolution methods such as negotiation, mediation, and arbitration are commonly used and promoted by the courts in Melbourne. These methods can be faster and less costly than formal litigation.

How long does commercial litigation usually take?

The duration varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case and whether the matter settles early or proceeds to a full trial. Simple disputes may resolve within months, while complex cases can take years to reach a final outcome.

What courts handle commercial litigation in Melbourne?

Commercial disputes may be heard in the Magistrates’ Court (for lower value claims), the County Court, the Supreme Court of Victoria, or the Federal Court, with the choice of court depending on the subject and value of the claim.

What costs are involved in commercial litigation?

Costs typically include lawyer fees, court filing fees, barrister fees, and potential costs of expert witnesses. Courts can order the losing party to pay the winning party's costs, but this is not guaranteed.

Do I have to disclose all documents relevant to the dispute?

Yes, the litigation process usually involves "discovery," where parties exchange documents relevant to the issues in dispute. Failing to disclose documents can lead to penalties.

What is “security for costs” in commercial litigation?

A party may be required to provide “security for costs” if there is concern they will not be able to pay the other party's costs if ordered to do so. This is typically ordered in situations where a party is overseas or appears to lack assets in Australia.

Can a court order urgent action to stop damaging conduct?

Yes, courts can issue injunctions and other urgent orders to prevent ongoing harm or to maintain the status quo until the final decision is made.

Is it possible to settle a commercial litigation matter before trial?

Yes, most commercial disputes are settled through negotiation or mediation before reaching trial. Settlement can occur at any stage of the litigation process.

How do I enforce a court judgment in Melbourne?

If you have a court judgment in your favor, your lawyer can assist you in enforcing the judgment. Options may include garnishing bank accounts, seizing property, or other enforcement mechanisms allowed under the law.

Additional Resources

If you need further information or assistance, the following resources may be helpful:

  • Victorian Legal Aid - Provides free legal information and guidance for eligible individuals
  • Law Institute of Victoria - Offers lawyer referrals and resources for understanding commercial law
  • Victorian Small Business Commission - Assists with small business dispute resolution and advice
  • Consumer Affairs Victoria - Information and support for consumer-related business disputes
  • Supreme Court of Victoria - Provides details about court processes and forms
  • Federal Court of Australia - Information relating to federal commercial disputes

Next Steps

If you are involved in a commercial dispute or believe you may need legal advice:

  • Gather all relevant documents including contracts, correspondence, and any evidence relating to the dispute
  • Write down a detailed summary of the events and your desired resolution
  • Contact a commercial litigation lawyer in Melbourne for an initial consultation. Many law firms offer a preliminary assessment session or fixed-fee initial advice
  • Ask your lawyer to explain costs, timelines, and possible outcomes before committing to litigation
  • Consider alternative dispute resolution options to attempt to resolve the matter quickly and effectively
  • Keep thorough records of all communications and steps taken regarding your dispute

Early legal advice often leads to better outcomes, whether through negotiated settlement or court resolution. Taking informed action is the best way to protect your business, reputation, and financial interests.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Melbourne through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Commercial Litigation, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Melbourne, Australia - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.