Business structures & formation
Choose and set up the right structure (sole trader, partnership, company or trust) matched to your liability, tax and growth plans, not just today's convenience.
Commercial Law
Commercial decisions are easy to make, but expensive to undo.
Vanguard Lawyers gives business owners clear, commercial advice on structures, contracts, leases and deals, so you move fast without leaving your business exposed.
Book a consultation
Google Reviews 5.0
Most commercial problems are signed into existence
Most commercial disputes don’t start in a courtroom. They start with a contract nobody read closely, a handshake that meant different things to each side, or a business structure chosen for speed instead of protection.
By the time the problem surfaces (a supplier who won’t deliver, a partner who wants out, a lease clause you never noticed) your options are narrower and far more expensive. A verbal agreement can bind you the moment there’s an offer, acceptance and consideration, whether you meant it to or not. The wrong structure can put your personal assets on the line for a business debt.
We work the other way around. Before you sign, structure or scale, we tell you plainly where the risk sits, what protects you, and what each option really costs you down the track, in clear English, not billable busywork. The goal is simple: get it right while it’s still cheap to get right.
What's included
Commercial law, across the life of your business
From the first decision to the next deal, we cover the commercial matters that keep a business moving, and protect what you've built.
Contracts & agreements
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating the agreements your business runs on (supply, service, shareholder and terms of trade) so the terms protect you before you sign.
Commercial & retail leases
Reviewing and negotiating retail and commercial leases, including the disclosure statement and termination rights a retail tenant holds under the Retail Leases Act 1994.
Buying & selling a business
Guiding sales and acquisitions end to end (due diligence, contract of sale, and the transfer of assets, leases and goodwill) so nothing falls through the cracks.
Business risk & compliance
Practical advice on the obligations, guarantees and personal liabilities that come with running a company, so you can grow without inheriting avoidable risk.
Disputes & enforcement
When an agreement breaks down, strategic advice to protect your position and resolve the matter: efficiently where possible, firmly where it's needed.
Why Vanguard
Legal advice that feels
empowering, not overwhelming.
We pair expert legal knowledge with practical strategy to resolve your challenges efficiently, and keep you informed and supported at every step.
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Genuine expertise
Highly qualified across commercial, property, family, criminal, employment and estate law, so your matter is handled by people who do this every day.
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Honest, jargon-free advice
Transparent communication and clear guidance. You'll always know where you stand, what it costs, and what happens next.
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On your terms
Flexible consultations: in person at Bankstown, by phone or by video. Legal help that fits around your life, not the other way around.
Have a contract, lease or deal on your desk?
Get it reviewed before you sign. Book a consultation and we'll tell you plainly where you stand and what to do next.
Mervat Sayed
Principal Solicitor & Founder
Mervat brings a grounded, people-first approach to legal practice, combining technical expertise with a genuine commitment to accessible, empowering advice. She has worked across commercial and property, family law, wills and estates, criminal law and litigation, and is known for clear communication and client empathy.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Bachelor of Social Science (Peace & Development)
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW
How it works
Getting started is straightforward.
- 01
Book your consultation
Book online in under a minute or call us directly. We'll find a time that suits: in person, by phone or video.
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Get a tailored strategy
We listen, cut the jargon, and give you a clear, personalised plan built around your goals and your situation.
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Move forward with confidence
We act decisively to resolve your matter, keeping you informed and supported at every step.
Commercial Law FAQs
Commercial Law questions, answered.
Can't find what you're looking for? Call us on (02) 8766 2575. We're happy to help.
What business structure should I choose to start a business in NSW?
The 4 main business structures in Australia are sole trader, partnership, company, and trust. A company limits personal liability and pays a 25% to 30% tax rate. A sole trader is simplest but carries unlimited personal liability. Our Commercial Law team matches the structure to your liability, tax, and growth plans.
Does a business contract have to be in writing to be enforceable?
A business contract is enforceable without being in writing in most cases, because a verbal agreement binds the parties once offer, acceptance, and consideration exist. Contracts such as guarantees and land sales must be written by law. Speak with us before you sign and book a consultation.
What is the difference between a retail lease and a commercial lease in NSW?
A retail lease in NSW falls under the Retail Leases Act 1994, which requires the landlord to give a disclosure statement 7 days before signing. A commercial lease over offices or warehouses sits outside that Act. A retail tenant can terminate within 6 months when the disclosure statement is false or incomplete. For premises you also buy, see Property Law & Conveyancing.
Mervat was amazing throughout our entire home loan journey, from contract review through to settlement. Her fast responses ensured we didn't lose the property when timing was critical, and she made the whole settlement process feel simple and stress-free.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Catherine Shemon on Google.
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I'm beyond grateful for the expertise Mervat showed in handling my legal matter, along with the genuine care provided throughout the entire process. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome — I couldn't recommend anyone more highly!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Medina Sabanovic on Google.
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I had a great experience working with Vanguard Lawyers for the settlement of my property. They were professional, responsive, and kept me informed throughout the entire process, making everything smooth and stress-free. Highly recommend their services.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Manpreet Kaur on Google.
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From our very first conversation, Mervat was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my situation. Thanks to her dedication and strategic approach, we achieved a successful outcome. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a trustworthy and results-driven legal professional.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Michael Smith Yassine on Google.
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We are extremely grateful for the outstanding service you provided while helping us purchase our unit. From start to finish, your expert guidance kept us informed and confident, while your professionalism and genuine support made what could have been a stressful process remarkably smooth.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Al Moroni on Google.
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I had the pleasure of working with Mervat recently and couldn't be more impressed. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and handled my matter with confidence and care. Her attention to detail and calm approach made a stressful situation much easier to deal with.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Khodar Harbouki on Google.
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Mervat was professional, supportive, and highly knowledgeable. She worked hard to achieve the best outcome for us. I highly recommend her and the team at Vanguard Lawyers.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Amanda Branthwaite on Google.
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I highly recommend Mervat. She is a passionate, caring and experienced lawyer. Mervat has done some great work for my family and I, and I can't recommend her enough.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Guljan Boga on Google.
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Mervat was fantastic in all my dealings with her. She is a fantastic and knowledgeable lawyer and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Nour Salama on Google.
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Mervat is an outstanding lawyer. Her knowledge and expertise is an absolute weapon in any legal battle. Thoroughly impressed.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Dan Mikati on Google.
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Thank you Mervat for assistance with my matter — couldn't have asked for a better lawyer to protect my interests!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Charlie Pollock on Google.
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Your professionalism, expertise, and prompt communication made a typically stressful process incredibly smooth and straightforward. I especially appreciate Mervat Sayed for patiently explaining the contract terms whenever we had difficulty understanding, and for being available on the phone to clarify any doubts.
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Nirmala Berkmans on Google.
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Professional and easy to deal with. They explained everything clearly and handled my matter so well. I felt confident throughout the process — highly recommend!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by Lilly on Google.
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As a first home buyer, I was pretty nervous about the whole settlement process, but Vanguard Lawyers made it incredibly smooth and stress-free. Mervat explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and was always available to answer my questions. Highly recommend Vanguard Lawyers to anyone needing help with their property settlement!
5 out of 5 stars. Review by R S on Google.
Book a consultation
Book your Commercial Law consultation.
Tell us what you need and we'll be in touch quickly with clear, honest advice and the next steps. No obligation.
- Call (02) 8766 2575
- Email info@vanguardlaw.com.au
- Visit Level 1, Suite 1/443 Chapel Rd, Bankstown NSW 2200
- Hours Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm