Business & Company

Our team includes an Accredited Specialist in Business Law. Maximise your chances of business success and reduce the potential of a foreseeable risk costing you more than you can afford to lose.

We bring energy and proactivity to every business and transaction.

Business & Company Law Services

Our Business & Company Law services cover a broad range of advisory services, agreements, transactions, best practice and risk management strategies, and compliance solutions.

We work with start-ups, SMEs, national and international organisations in a range of industries including construction, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, financial services, superannuation, professional services, wine, hospitality and environment.

We aim to bring energy and proactivity to every business and transaction and strive to deliver reliable expert advice that is timely, practical and commercial so that our clients can make important decisions and react to situations quickly and with confidence.

How We Help

We believe that we can assist businesses most effectively by helping them proactively address legal issues. This approach underpins our unique Virtual In-House Legal Counsel solution.

Because we specialise in solving business legal problems, we have expert insights in relation to what businesses should do to avoid them.

By helping SMEs think and act proactively in relation to legal issues our clients are; more successful and profitable, more resilient and capable of dealing with problems when they are encountered, better equipped to engage with and compete with larger businesses, and more capable of taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.

Speak to a Lawyer

We deliver accessible big firm expertise with a personal first-class client experience.

We work with start-ups, SMEs, national and international organisations in a range of industries including construction, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, financial services, superannuation, professional services, wine, hospitality and environment, and assist with:
  • Enterprise Growth & Corporate Advisory
  • Virtual In-House Legal Counsel
  • Corporate Governance & Directors’ Duties
  • Buying & Selling Businesses
  • Business Structures & Restructuring
  • Commercial Agreements & Transactions
  • Intellectual Property Protection
  • Business Contracts & Terms of Trade
  • Business Succession Planning
  • Franchising
  • Commercial & Retail Leases
  • Conveyancing
  • Debt Collection

Specialist Accreditation

Solicitor Director, Amanda Crosbie is an Accredited Specialist in Business Law.

In the legal profession, Accredited Specialists are practising Solicitors who have demonstrated proficiency in a particular area of law, which is recognised and conferred by fellow Solicitors. Specialist Accreditation is a nationally recognised mark of distinction run by state based Solicitor Associations. In New South Wales the Specialist Accreditation Scheme has been operated by the Law Society of NSW since 1992.

To gain Specialist Accreditation a Solicitor must pass rigorous assessments in communication, problem solving, client relations and, of course, the law.

Businesses that proactively
address legal issues are more resilient, better prepared
and more profitable.

Understand your Top 5 Legal Priorities

Complete our enquiry form for a consultation with an experienced Commercial Lawyer to review your Top 5 Legal Priorities.

Consultation with
Commercial Lawyer

Employment Law Guide

Best Practices for engaging, managing & terminating employees. What every employer needs to know.

A Purchaser’s Guide to Buying a Business

The Essential Guide for Buying Businesses in Australia, complete with practical Purchaser Tips and expert legal insights.

Business Succession Planning Guide

An agreed and documented Business Succession Plan will deliver financial certainty and peace of mind for all the business owners and their families in the event of the death, disability or serious illness of an owner.

Guide to Making Effective Business Contracts – Contractors

If your business supplies a trade or service on credit, having an effective solution for making effective everyday contracts is simply a must.

Guide to Making Effective Business Contracts – Professional Services

Standard form contract solutions reduce risks of disputes and bad debtors and empower businesses through express contractual rights and limitations of liability.

This group are so good, responsible, nice, knowledgeable, … that we even do not think about leaving them for another solicitor. Thanks Christa and Amanda… for your real professional job

Touraj Jafari

Haydon’s professionalism, outstanding advice, calmness and determination all enabled an outcome we were absolutely delighted with.

A very close family member was experiencing considerable difficulty and hardship through his workplace. We were lucky enough to be referred to Haydon Potter who reviewed and advised us, unravelling the mess of information, to ultimately uncover the truth of the matter. I cannot speak more highly of Haydon and highly recommend him for anyone who seeks professional and compassionate guidance in any employment matter.

Robert Peers

A great team that has supported our business.

Arthur Alexiou

Thanks for your advice.

Joshua Moore

Excellent advice and service from professional and empathetic staff.

I received honest and timely feedback, and I was very happy with the outcome. I would recommend RCM Lawyers.

Rachel Moore

Very professional and easy to deal with.

Super fast turnaround times.

Josh Noone

There is nothing much more you need in the legal jungle when you are not a lawyer. 

“I am a client at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers for the past three years and I can give them 10 points out of 10, for performance, expertise, attention to details and care of the legal matter at hand. Let me explain. I have experienced frustrating slow reaction to my problems with other legal firms in the past, but at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers with Amanda Crosbie I can receive a reply on the same day. It is rather important point at purchase or sale of a property. Amanda understands a very important point in the client-lawyer relationship. Which is listening to the client’s problem, advising about solutions and the likelihood of outcome.”

Imre Ordasi

Christa went above and beyond with her service and professionalism.

“Any enquiries we had were always dealt with very promptly, we would highly recommend her services.”

Kerrie and Laurie Coglan

Efficient, professional and good results. I highly recommend their services.

John Smith

I have no hesitation in routinely recommending them to friends and associates.

“We use Sam and his team on a routine basis and have always found them to be both friendly and professional. They have a wide range of knowledge and expertise and get the job done with a minimum of fuss.”

Ross Holding

I found them extremely easy to deal with, and at the height of professionalism.

“I have engaged Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers for the purchase of my property. I felt very much in the loop, given a plethora of options and considerations, and would not hesitate to use them again. I have also worked with the firm in a professional capacity, having engaged my services, and found them extremely easy to deal with, and at the height of professionalism.”

Ty Brennock

Whenever we need legal advice we use Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.

“We have used them in the past for several different legal matters, and they have always been so professional with their advice and demeanor. We will continue to use them into the future.”

Marie Killick

I have used Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers on several occasions and have found the service to be excellent.

Ben Bader

Great team to work with.

“Very helpful in explaining all the legal technicalities to someone with no experience in such matters at all. Thanks for the conveyancing help!!”

Jeremy Roberts

I would strongly recommend (and have) for any friends or colleagues to use Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.

“Being a business owner we have used Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers for several issues including setting up our business, Franchise agreements and even commercial leases. On all occasions the information has been prompt, accurate, reliable and understandable. On the back of this we have also used Sam and his team to do our wills and property purchases for all of our personal work. Again always reliable, contactable, professional and above reproach.”

Luke Stevens
Amber Tiles

Definitely recommend.

“Dealt with Amanda Crosbie and she was fantastic and advised on best outcome in my situation and was professional from the start to finish. Thanks to everybody at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.”

Matt Falzon

Great people with great knowledge. Would recommend to anyone who is looking for legal representation.

Lee Garlick

They are leagues ahead of any other law firm I have used in the past.

“Sam and the team at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers assisted me with a very complex business case. Their attention to detail and professional prompt response to every item raised was a real stand out. The team keep you fully informed at all times in simple to understand language highlighting pros and cons of every decision that needs to be made.

Finally I have found a law firm who me and my family will be using for many years to come. I would highly recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers to anyone who needs a good legal team and are worth every dollar.”

Paul Convey
Shamrock Electrical Pty Limited

Had a very quick and positive turn around on what could have been a long and convoluted exercise.

“Our experience with Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers has been an extremely pleasant one. We appointed Amanda to represent us and she was exemplary throughout the process by ways of advice on our matter and the rapid action taken when instructions were provided. Have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending Amanda or anyone of the fine people at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.”

George Kakoz

We have no hesitation referring Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers to other business associates.

“Would highly recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers, they have provided valuable support and advice! We have been extremely pleased with the services provided.”

Sheldon Commercial Interiors

I definitely recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers. The team are friendly, understanding and professional.

“Sam sorted a difficult Share Sale Agreement for me quickly and professionally.”

Lee-Ann Morrison

I highly recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.

“A client had a delicate legal matter to resolve and they were unsure who to talk to. As a result of my previous experiences with Sam at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers, I was comfortable recommending Roberts Crosbie Mortensen to my client.

We met with Sam and were immediately impressed by their professionalism and their ability to get a clear understanding of the issue and developed a strategy to resolve this issue, as amicably as possible.”

Craig Whitton

We would not hesitate to use them in the future. 

“Sam and his team where quick to respond to our business enquiry and offered us sound legal advise. We were very pleased with the way they handled our matter and in the way they communicated with us.”

Murray Lynch
Director, NAC SERVICES

I am joining forces with Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers, and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending others of the same.

“Sam of Roberts Crosbie Mortensen has represented my previous businesses and me personally since 2014 in which Sam produced some positive outcomes in numerous cases, due to the accuracy and presentation of the required submissions. During this time, Sam’s Contract drafting and execution was evident, providing me with the safe guard that businesses rely upon.

I have again recently engaged Sam directly to undertake and provide documentation, which was conducted exceptional and factual when reviewing, and within a short time frame for execution.”

Craig Smith

I couldn’t recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers enough!

“They were professional, efficient and thorough and a small investment on our part led to outstanding results from the team at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen. Many thanks!!!”

Geoff Ingram

I’ve had an excellent experience in my dealings with Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers.

“Both Haydon and Amanda have offered my business excellent and timely advice on several matters.”

Mitchell Jones

Mr Roberts and his staff members are very professional and of great assistance.

“Currently reviewing a fairly complex legal matter and I had the opportunity to speak directly with Mr. Sam Roberts in detailed phone call.”

Lindsay Karathanassis

The firm demonstrated exceptional level of professionalism and assist me in achieving a just outcome.

David Jacobs

THANKS AGAIN for your detailed correspondence and for the professional way you have completed our transactions this year.

Donna Louise

Always offering clear, sound advice and keeping us in the loop every step of the way.

“Thank you so very much Amanda! Now our family can finally move on – such a relief!

You have been amazing. We always felt like we were in very capable and knowledgeable hands with you which meant a lot under such stressful circumstances.”

Jodi Donovan

Roberts Crosbie Mortensen were able to provide the best advice to minimise risk and ensure a smooth transaction.

“When it came time to sell we had a complicated transaction due to the nature of the tenancies and Roberts Crosbie Mortensen were able to provide the best advice to minimise risk and ensure a smooth transaction.”

James Johnson
Licensed Real Estate Agent

The service was excellent.

“We used Roberts Crosbie Mortensen for advice in relation to the renewal of our Franchise Agreement. In the past our renewals have been daunting. We were very confident in their ability to handle our matters. We have already recommended Roberts Crosbie Mortensen to other Franchisees with respect to their thoroughness and handling of our franchise renewal.”

Allan & Lorraine Beeby
Donut King Glendale

Professional, efficient and courteous.

“We have used Sam Roberts now on a number of occasions for various legal matters – including some very complex issues. On all occasions Sam and his team have been extremely professional, efficient and courteous.”

Brentwood Skin

Sam has proven to me he has an in depth knowledge of legal matters.

“I have used the services of Roberts Crosbie Mortensen and in particular Sam Roberts for both myself and for my clients, and continue to do so. Sam has proven to me he has an in depth knowledge of legal matters, is very approachable and discharges his responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.”

Erminio Adoranti
Accountant, Adoranti & Co

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

“Sam Roberts and the team at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen are the most dynamic and professional law firm that I have worked with. Sam’s asks the right questions to get the process under way in an incredibly efficient manner and they keep you informed, every step of the way. No chasing up required, which is a rarity in professional service outfits.”

Stuart Upward
The Right Person

Sam and his team were great in helping us set up our business.

“They offered practical advice and were very responsive with answering questions and documentation.”

Luan Atkinson

I was absolutely satisfied with the level of service and communication.

“I was referred to Sam Roberts for advice due to the dire financial situation my wife and I found ourselves in as a result of the failure of our business and pressure from our Franchisor. I was very happy with the advice regarding insolvency issues for my company and options for my wife and I in relation to bankruptcy and alternatives. Sam was very professional and his advice was practical, clear and easy to understand.”

I would recommend Sam and the Roberts Crosbie Mortensen team

“We worked with Sam from Roberts Crosbie Mortensen to develop a service level contract for use with our clients. Sam took the time to understand our business and worked closely with us to create a contract that was easy for our clients to read and understand while providing us with the required level of legal protection. I would recommend Sam and the Roberts Crosbie Mortensen team to anyone who is after a solicitor who will take the time to understand their needs and requirements or after a solicitor who can talk to them in plain English.”

Tristan Hough
Myrtec

Sam is extremely knowledgeable about the commercial and legal aspects of generating wealth from people’s greatest asset – their business.

Michael Craddock

As a direct result of Samuel’s advice my businesses have performed at a higher than expected level.

“I have undertaken 3 separate franchise ventures and on each occasion I asked Samuel Roberts to provide his expert legal opinion and advice regarding the franchise documentation, the business being conducted and various leasing arrangements and finance options.

Samuel displayed a great depth of knowledge in all of these areas and has been instrumental in securing favorable agreements in negotiations with both franchisors and landlords.

Samuel also maintains a high level of communication which has been of particular benefit to me and I would have absolutely no reservation in recommending the services of Roberts Crosbie Mortensen to anyone considering entering into any form of Franchise operation.”

Darren MacClure
Director, Dazmak Pty Limited

It is a pleasure to work with Sam.

“Sam is personable whilst remaining extremely professional. He has an ability to achieve a great result for his client without becoming confrontational with the transactional parties. He focuses clearly on what is needed to finalise the matter in an effective and efficient manner.”

 

Lindsey Karathanasis
Linkara Capital

I would recommend Sam to any of my business clients.

“I have just started working with Sam and find he has an in depth knowledge in commercial areas of the law which is invaluable to us as accountants.”

Richard McArtney
Bentley's Accountants Newcastle Pty Ltd

I certainly would recommend Sam and the Roberts Crosbie Mortensen team.

“Midac Technologies Pty Limited (“Midac”) started up in 1981 in Sydney and pioneered early “smart building” direct digital control technology. In 1994 Midac made an early start developing online software and solutions. The then Dungog based business was instrumental in encouraging and assisting many organizations to make their online debut, including large corporate entities like Boral and James Hardie. From about 1995 Midac focused on developing solutions for the tourism and real estate sectors and developed early online or “cloud based” applications.

By 2012 the Midac owners were ready to take a break from their business of some 30 years. By that time their online holiday rentals bookings management and reservation system, “YesBookit” was respected as the leader in the industry, providing an online application to booking agents around Australia, and some overseas. YesBookit also connected with and distributed an online bookable accommodation product to most leading accommodation portals; including Wotif, Home Away, Take a Break, Rent a Home and Stayz (a Fairfax Media division).

For a small business sale, the process was relatively complex and involved the sale of the business, intellectual property, transfer of staff, application and hosting servers, online application client service relationships and a myriad of provider contracts.

“Initially we thought Sydney Solicitors would be the way to go, but we found the answer just down the road in Newcastle. Roberts Crosbie Mortensen did a fantastic job with the entire process.

They expertly assisted us with every stage from, the preparation of an Information Memorandum, consideration of Expressions of Interest, negotiation of an Exclusivity Agreement, purchaser due diligence, the novation of key provider contracts and licences and the execution and performance at an exhaustive Business Sale Agreement including post-completion Fixed Term Consulting Agreements.

I couldn’t have been more pleased with my decision to engage Sam [Roberts] and his team for this assignment. They were more than capable and worked well with both in-house and external legal teams of the purchaser and other concerned parties to see the sale through to a successful outcome.

I certainly would recommend Sam and the Roberts Crosbie Mortensen team for this kind of work and would be pleased to speak with any prospective clients about the time we worked together.”

Kevin Johnson-Bade

Would highly recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen.

“Would highly recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen, they have provided valuable support and advice!

We have been extremely pleased with the services provided, we have no hesitation referring Roberts Crosbie Mortensen to other business associates.”

Patrick C

Finally I have found a law firm who me and my family will be using for many years to come.

“Sam and the team at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen assisted me with a very complex business case. They are leagues ahead of any other law firm I have used in the past. Their attention to detail and professional prompt response to every item raised was a real stand out. The team keep you fully informed at all times in simple to understand language highlighting pros and cons of every decision that needs to be made.”

Paul C

After working with others it is refreshing to have you on our side.

“I would like to thank you and your team for assisting myself and Andrew with the restructure. You amazed us with your energy and knowledge, you are a champion.

Thanks also from all our staff for assisting in securing their future.”

 

Paul Barwick
MCA Engineering

At all times the service was very prompt and efficient.

“My company recently engaged Sam Roberts and Roberts Legal to act on its behalf in relation to the sale of two (2) commercial properties at Dubbo. I found that Sam understood everything in relation to my business and acted extremely fast on anything that needed to be done.

Sam and his team helped our company overcome a major stumbling block in relation to our sales which meant that the sales of our significant commercial properties could proceed. Without Sam’s assistance the loss of the sales and impediment of the stumbling block would likely have cost our company hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Even my commercial agent who deals with many Solicitors and law firms commented on how efficient Sam and his team were.

I found Sam to be very professional in the matter that he has acted. For a young fellow he has done extremely well.”

Nik Shalimov
Dubbo Developments Pty Limited

Without you it would have been impossible to confront these multi-national corporate giants.

Toby Player
Bodyboard King

Fixed Fee Initial Consultation

What to Expect at your Initial Consultation

Your Initial Consultation is an important opportunity for you to ask questions, get on-the-spot answers and experience what it will be like to work with us if you need further assistance. Your Solicitor will help you to understand the laws and legal issues relevant to your situation, applicable legal processes, your prospects of success in relation to a dispute and the course of action you should take.

You may not always get the advice you want to hear, but you’ll always get the advice you need to hear.

You may attend your appointment by phone, videoconference or in person at our offices.

After your Initial Consultation

If you need further legal help following your Initial Consultation, you may engage us to advise and represent you generally in relation to your matter or request a second appointment and provide copies of any relevant documentation you would like us to review beforehand. 

Introduction to Retainers: A Simpler Process 

Our firm has adopted an ongoing Retainer model to streamline our processes and reduce client confusion, which often arose when we were seeking a client’s authority to transfer money from our Trust Account towards payment of a Tax Invoice and at the same time asking for additional monies to be paid into our Trust Account in relation to future work. 

The Retainer also reduces the burden on our clients’ Accountants and Bookkeepers, as well as our own. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Our Retainer Works

Pursuant to our Retainer: 

  1. a Retainer Amount is to be paid and held in our Trust Account for the duration of your matter on account of our costs and disbursements,  
  2. our Tax Invoices are to paid within seven (7) days of your receipt, and 
  3. the Retainer Amount is accounted for against your final Tax Invoice or upon completion of work. 

Under this model, if a Tax Invoice is not paid within seven (7) days we may: 

  1. apply all or part of the Retainer Amount towards payment of the Tax Invoice, with your authority or in accordance with Regulation 42 of the Legal Profession Uniform Law General Rules, and 
  2. require that the Retainer Amount be reinstated in full before providing any further legal services.
What is Retainer Money?

Money held in respect of a Retainer is Trust Money. Trust Money and Trust Accounts are regulated by the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) and the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 (“the Legal Profession Uniform Laws”).  

“Retainer” Money is term used by our firm to help clients more easily understand the nature and purpose for which we require payment of money to our Trust Account in most instances. That is, to serve as a retainer that ensures payment of our fees and disbursements for the ongoing provision of professional legal services.

How is the Retainer Amount determined?

The Retainer Amount is generally based on the estimated costs and disbursements of work to be undertaken in any calendar month. We may vary the Retainer Amount from time to time having regard to the estimated costs and disbursements of upcoming work.

Trust Money

In addition to the Retainer Amount, we may request that you pay other amounts to our Trust Account on account of costs and disbursements from time to time, for example, Barrister’s fees, Expert Witness fees, Mediation fees, Court filing fees etc. 

When is the Retainer Amount or Other Trust Money Payable?

The initial Retainer Amount is payable upon you entering into a Legal Services Agreement with us. If we increase the Retainer Amount or ask for other money to be paid to our Trust Account, you are required to pay the amount requested within seven (7) days. 

What happens if I do not pay on time?

We may suspend work in relation to your matter and/or terminate our Legal Services Agreement if: 

  1. you do not pay our Tax Invoices within seven (7) days, 
  2. we apply any Retainer Money towards payment of a Tax Invoice and you do not reinstate the Retainer Amount in full, or 
  3. if you do not pay any increased Retainer Amount or Other Trust Money within seven (7) days of a written request. 
What is a Trust Account? 

A Trust Account is a bank account in which we hold Trust Money on your behalf. Most law firms use a Trust Account to manage the payment of legal costs, and to receive and hold Trust Money on behalf of clients. 

I have paid money into your Trust Account. How will my money be managed?

Our Trust Account is an account with ANZ Bank. We must deposit Trust Money we receive to this account and give you a receipt for your deposit as soon as practicable. The amount that you have paid into our Trust Account is then recorded against your name and your file number. We are required to give you a Trust Account Statement at certain intervals and on your request. 

The Legal Profession Uniform Laws governs when we can withdraw your money from our Trust Account. Generally, we can only withdraw the money: 

  • in accordance with an authority or direction from you, 
  • at the end of seven (7) business days after we have given you a Tax Invoice referring to the proposed withdrawal of Trust Money (unless you have objected to the withdrawal and taken 1 of the steps set out in Regulation 42(3) within 30 days), 
  • to reimburse us when we have made a payment on your behalf and we have given you notice of the proposed withdrawal and reimbursement. 

You will be notified of any withdrawals that we make from your Trust Account and they must be clearly recorded against your file. Our Trust Account (and all general trust accounts) are not interest-bearing accounts and large sums should therefore not be left deposited for extended periods.