You have taken the first step to getting Lawyered Up.
A short message from Donald Betts, Managing Principal, on the three things to do next.
Case studies
How we have helped owner-led businesses go from exposed to protected.
A company director did not understand the full extent of their duties, and was facing a tax debt well into six figures. We stepped in and acted on their behalf.
A growing company had the ambition, but not the connections. Through our public and private relationships, we opened doors to funding they would not otherwise have had access to.
A Western Australian company in energy security, solar and battery storage keeps us on retainer. We handle every agreement, NDA and policy as they grow, and we help them strategise along the way.
One of our earliest corporate clients was heading toward administration. We stepped in with probity, risk management and governance support, and stayed with them through the whole of it.
A wholly Indigenous-owned business was being held back by its own governance. We put their policies, their agreements and their procedures in order before they took their offer to the market.
A founder in New South Wales came to set up the standard company, because that is what everyone does. We looked at what he was actually building and advised a different structure.
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Frequently asked questions
Skip the basics so you get more out of your time with Donald or another lawyer.
My situation is not simple. Will this still work?
Most are not simple. Some of our clients already run a business in Australia. Some are just starting one. Some have business partners. Some are restructuring as they grow. We start with what you have, not a template. And if you need an extra step, like a new shareholders agreement, you will know before the hour is over.
My business is small. Is this too much?
The businesses that get into trouble are rarely the big ones. They are the ones that outgrew their setup and did not notice. A new deal, a new hire or a new partner can change what you need overnight. Fixing it early is far cheaper than undoing it later. And if you are not at the corporate stage yet, Individual is built for you.
I am not in Melbourne. Can we still do this?
Yes. Your ID check is done online and the meeting is by video, so business owners anywhere in Australia can get set up. If you would rather meet in person in Melbourne, tell our team when they call and we will arrange it.
I already have a lawyer. Why would I need Lawyer OnBoard?
Many firms know the law, but have never run a business. Donald brings over two decades across politics, business and law. And with Lawyer OnBoard, we already know your business before anything goes wrong, so when you call, we can move immediately instead of starting from scratch.
Can I start with Individual and move up to Corporate later?
Yes. Individual is the right fit if you have a start-up idea and the business is still taking shape. You move up later, once the company exists and there is more to protect. Your checks carry over, so nothing is repeated and nothing is wasted.
But if you already have a company set up, with a joint venture or directors, you need Corporate. We have to run a company search, and a business at that stage needs the full hour. Corporate is also the only option where you sit down with Donald. On Individual you meet one of our other lawyers.
How do I prepare for my time with Donald?
We do most of it for you. After you sign up, one of our team calls you first. They ask about your setup, what you are worried about, and where the risk sits. If you already have a business, we run the searches to see how it is set up. All of it goes into a short brief, and Donald reads it before you meet.
So all you bring is where you want the business to be, and what worries you most. And be straight about the messy parts. A lawyer who only hears the clean version gives you advice for a business you do not have.
Our fixed-fee onboarding
Whichever you choose, you come out onboarded and protected in advance. All prices are in Australian dollars.
A 30-minute consultation with one of our lawyers, plus your VOI and AML checks, done now so there is nothing left to sort out the day a real matter comes up. You are in our system and ready to instruct.
For corporate structures. VOI and AML checks for two individuals, a company search, and a one-hour deep dive with the Principal, so your entity is fully onboarded and ready to instruct before you need us.