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Amanda is an Accredited Specialist in Business Law who specialises in advising business owners, directors and shareholders on commercial transactions, business structuring and succession planning.
Amanda Crosbie
Partner
Accredited Specialist (Business Law)
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Amanda Crosbie supports directors, business owners and professionals across a variety of industries, including the professional services, construction and health sectors. With a high percentage of referral and repeat business, Amanda has built a reputation for providing commercially focused legal advice that is practical, strategic and results-driven.

Amanda acts as a Virtual In-House Counsel to a number of established and growing businesses across New South Wales, providing on-demand legal support tailored to their commercial objectives.

She regularly advises on business acquisitions and sales, mergers and restructures, shareholder and succession planning, commercial contracts, leasing, risk management, disputes and insolvency matters. Amanda works closely with her clients to provide proactive advice that supports business growth, manages risk and facilitates successful commercial transactions.

Many of Amanda’s clients view her as an extension of their executive team, relying on her as a trusted adviser throughout the lifecycle of their business.

About Amanda

Amanda is a Partner and Team Leader of the Corporate & Commercial Team at Roberts Legal. She is an Accredited Specialist in Business Law and acts as Virtual In-House Counsel for a number of established businesses, family enterprises and growing SMEs throughout New South Wales.

Since her admission in 2011, Amanda has developed extensive experience advising business owners, directors and shareholders on a broad range of corporate and commercial matters. She is particularly passionate about helping clients navigate key business milestones, including acquisitions, growth strategies, restructures, succession planning and business succession.

Amanda graduated from the University of Newcastle in 2010 with a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Bachelor of Finance. She was admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in February 2011.

Achievements

  • Panelist – ANZ Commercial & Private Bank Client Event, Newcastle, 15 May 2025
    Invited to join a panel discussion on Global Investment Markets, providing insights on business succession planning to ANZ clients and stakeholders.

Amanda, Tony and Shree assisted us to obtain payment of unpaid invoices for a significant sum within 6 weeks.  We were very pleased with their service and professionalism.

Matt & Joel
Engineering & Industrial Solutions Group Pty Limited

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Amanda to anyone looking for a reliable and approachable lawyer.

Amanda was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and made what could have been a stressful experience much easier. I always felt like she had my best interests at heart.  Thank you again for all your help!

Luke Wooffindin

Amanda provided concise and practical advice on a legal matter and has been an invaluable support across contracts and governance, including policy development.

Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) is incredibly grateful for the pro bono support provided by Amanda and the team at Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers. They have been generous with their time, thoughtful in their advice, and genuinely invested in supporting our charity.

Pro bono support like this makes a meaningful difference for not-for-profits, and we feel fortunate to have worked with a partner who combines strong expertise with care and genuine commitment to the community.

Louise Ross

Amanda was very thorough, pragmatic and efficient.

I recently engaged Amanda Crosbie to assist with an acquisition. I felt well-supported at every step with accessible and high-quality advice. I would confidently recommend her to others and would not hesitate to engage her services again. 

Mitchell Purser

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

Congratulations to an amazing FIRM especially Amanda Crosbie (Solicitor Director) and Christa Chapman (Solicitor).

What a difference when you are dealing with legal professionals in a FIRM who ARE professionals, or when I was dealing with a lowbrow lawyers short on intelligence in the past. 10 stars for Roberts Crosbie Mortensen Lawyers. Oops it will only show up as 5.

Imre Ordasi

Very happy with every contact I have had with Roberts Crosbie Mortensen.

“Having dealt with a few law firms in Newcastle I can confidently recommend Roberts Crosbie Mortensen before any other.”

Jonathan Quartly

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

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

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

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

Amanda asks the right questions to get the process under way in an incredibly efficient manner.

“Amanda 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. I highly recommend them.”

The Roberts Crosbie Mortensen team have assisted us with a myriad of matters.

“Having worked with Amanda, we are pleased with her service and confident in her advising.”

Sarah B

Areas of Law

Virtual In-House Counsel

Buying & Selling Businesses

Business Structures & Restructuring

Commercial Agreements & Transactions

Construction Contracts & Administration

Corporate Insolvency & Restructuring

Business Contracts &
Terms of Trade

Commercial & Retail Leases

Who Amanda works with

Amanda works with business owners, directors, shareholders, investors, insolvency practitioners and other trusted advisers across a range of industries, including:

  • Professional services;
  • Construction and trade businesses;
  • Health and medical practices;
  • Manufacturing and industrial businesses;
  • Property investors and developers;
  • Family-owned and privately held businesses; and
  • Growing SMEs seeking strategic legal support.

She regularly advises clients in relation to business acquisitions and sales, shareholder relationships, commercial transactions, succession planning, business restructuring and corporate governance matters.

Approach

Amanda believes legal advice should be practical, commercially minded and aligned with her clients’ broader business objectives.

She takes the time to understand how her clients operate, the challenges they face and the outcomes they are seeking to achieve. This enables her to provide clear, strategic advice that assists clients to make informed decisions and confidently manage risk.

Known for her responsive and pragmatic approach, Amanda develops long-term relationships with her clients and is committed to helping them achieve sustainable growth and success.

Qualifications

Amanda is an Accredited Specialist in Business Law with the Law Society of New South Wales.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Law (Hons), a Diploma of Legal Practice and a Bachelor of Finance.

Amanda is admitted as a Solicitor in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and High Court of Australia.

Memberships

Interests

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with family and friends and being outdoors. She travelled Australia in 2024 for 5 months living in a caravan with her young family and tries to get away camping on weekends whenever the time and weather allows.

Amanda’s Articles

Australian business protecting personal information and digital data in preparation for the Australia privacy reforms 2026.

Australia’s Privacy Reforms: What Your Business Contracts Need Now

Australia’s proposed privacy reforms could change how businesses collect, use, share and protect personal information. Businesses should review their commercial contracts, data practices and AI arrangements now, before the proposals become law.

28 Sep, 2026
Amanda Crosbie
can a builder increase a fixed price contract

Can a Builder Increase a Fixed Price Contract Due to Rising Material Costs?

Builders are being squeezed by rising material and labour costs. Fixed‑price contracts make this even harder. This article explains how rise and fall clauses work, when they help, and the risks if they are not drafted well.

03 Jun, 2026
Amanda Crosbie

Structuring Parent–Child Loans for Real Recovery in Family Law Property Division

For advisers involved in structuring intergenerational funding arrangements, a recurring question is whether a parent–child “loan” will be recognised and recoverable if the child later becomes involved in a family law property dispute.

01 May, 2026
Amanda Crosbie
avoid tax implications by reviewing your agreements

Case Review: The Importance of Formal Agreements Between Related Parties for Tax Liability

In S.N.A Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation, the Full Federal Court affirmed the need for formal written agreements between related parties. In allowing their formal agreement to expire, the respondents were liable to pay income tax on otherwise deductable expenses, administrative penalties, and the Commissioner’s cost of the appeal.

02 Apr, 2026
Amanda Crosbie

Business Succession Planning for Australian SMEs: Maximising Value and Retaining Key Talent

Succession planning is a critical consideration for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Australia aiming to ensure business continuity and maximise value upon exit.

05 Aug, 2025
Amanda Crosbie

Australia Imposes Temporary Ban on Foreign Purchases of Established Homes

Effective April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027, this measure aims to prioritise housing availability for Australian buyers, preventing foreign investors from purchasing properties that could otherwise be acquired by local residents.

27 Mar, 2025
Amanda Crosbie

Why the PPSR is Crucial for Businesses in Australia: Protecting Your Interests in Liquidation and Administration

The ability to register a security interests on the Personal Property Security Register (PPSR) can significantly enhance your chances of recovering debts, especially in cases where the debtor’s assets are limited or otherwise insufficient to meet obligations.

25 Feb, 2025
Amanda Crosbie

Unfair Contract Terms post November 2023 Amendments – What In House Lawyers need to know

A comprehensive contract review will be necessary to identify if existing business contracts are standard form or contain any unfair contract terms, and if so, prioritise amending or removing unfair contract terms to align with the revised regulations.

23 Nov, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Options for a Purchaser seeking to retain key staff – Discretionary Bonuses, Contractual Bonuses and ESS

The loss of key staff, particularly in the short term, can be a significant risk and important factor in determining whether to proceed with an acquisition of a business by a purchaser.

25 Sep, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

The Acquisition of Assets and Shares – Structure, Tax, Duty and Other Implications and Considerations

The purpose of this article is to help investors make a decision as to the structure of a proposed asset/share transaction, and specifically covers the top commercial, asset protection and tax minimisation considerations for these types of acquisitions.

25 Sep, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Privacy Considerations for Australian Organisations Engaging Offshore Workers

If you are considering engaging offshore workers, then it is important that you understand your privacy obligations if client or third-party personal information is being provided to the offshore workers.

14 Sep, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Directors and Personal Liability – Tips to reduce the risk

This article provides a summary of the types of liability a Director may face, and practical tips to avoid personal liability where possible.

14 Sep, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Top 5 Questions Purchasers have when Buying a Business

On 31 August 2023 our Director, Amanda Crosbie and Senior Associate Solicitor, Hamish Taylor hosted a live LinkedIn Q&A answering the Top 5 Questions Purchasers have when Buying a Business.

06 Sep, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

What to consider if you are thinking about making an Employee a Shareholder

On 1 August 2023 our Director, Amanda Crosbie and Principal Solicitor, Tony Peterson hosted a live LinkedIn Q&A answering What to consider if you are thinking about making an Employee a Shareholder.

17 Aug, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Unfair Contract Terms post November 2023 Amendments – What Businesses need to Know to Avoid Unenforceable Clauses and Significant Penalties

This article will focus on the Unfair Contract Term regime to small business contracts only (not consumer contracts) and specifically summaries the laws relating to the Unfair Contract Term Regime as they exist now, examples of Unfair Contract Terms and what businesses need to do prior to  the laws changing  in November 2023.

10 Aug, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Crowd Sourced Funding – a game changer for privately held companies in Australia

This article will look at what Crowd Source Funding is and what is involved in undertaking a Crowd Source Funding campaign.

10 Aug, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Financial Assistance and the Whitewash Process – What You Need to Know

Section 260A(1)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act) generally prohibits companies from providing financial assistance to an existing or proposed shareholder for acquiring shares in itself or its holding entities.  

10 Aug, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Is Your Company Insolvent?

Noting the repercussions for company directors if they allow their company to trade whilst insolvent, company directors should be mindful of the solvency of the company at all times.

10 Aug, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Smooth Transition to Retirement: Key Steps for Medical/Specialist Practice Owners in Business Succession Planning

In this article we will refer to Business Succession Planning as the planning of the transfer of your (and your business partners’) interest in your business to a successor by retirement, including early transition to retirement.

25 May, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Complete These 3 Easy Steps Prior to Naming Your Business

Follow our easy steps to ensure your business name does not infringe or potentially infringe on an existing business.  

09 Mar, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Retail Leases in NSW – Top 10 Protections for Tenants

From the 1 January 2023 a retail shop business now includes two more business types following the publication of the Retail Leases Regulation 2022 on 16 December 2022.

27 Feb, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Medical Profession Spotlight – Getting Your Service Agreements Right

Revenue New South Wales is turning up the heat in the medical profession. This article offers practical advice on what Medical Practices should and shouldn’t include in their Service Agreements.

21 Feb, 2023
Amanda Crosbie

Key Considerations for Tenants when Negotiating a Retail or Commercial Lease

Having the right lease in place can make a huge difference to the value and security of tenure for your business.

21 Nov, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

What is a Tenant’s Obligation to Make Good Under a Lease?

In this article we will be looking at a tenant’s obligation to make good under a lease.

13 Oct, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Foreign Companies Wanting to Establish in Australia

In this article we look at the two most common ways in which foreign companies establish and carry on business in Australia.

26 Sep, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

What does an Option mean in a Retail Lease?

What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know.

26 Sep, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Company Acquisitions

Why would you buy a company, and in particular an SME (small to medium enterprise) proprietary company?

26 Sep, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

PPSR – The importance of registering on the The Personal Property Securities Register

The prompt registration of security interests is crucial to ensure that your security will have priority after other creditors and is enforceable in the event of a debtors insolvency.

20 Sep, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

5 Stages to Execute Employee Share Ownership

If you are a SME company owner and are considering the possibility of bringing on one or more employees as shareholders/owners, then this article is for you as we discuss the steps and planning that goes into this process.

20 Sep, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Employee Share Schemes explained – do they work for small business?

The Australian government announced reforms to make it easier for companies to take advantage of ATO tax concessions for employee share schemes (ESS).

18 Jul, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

ABNs and ACNs

In Australia you will see companies referenced by the letters ACN and businesses by the letters ABN. In this article we look at what they stand for and what they mean.

17 Jul, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

What is a Joint Venture?

Mergers and acquisitions are often done by way of joint venture.

17 Jul, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Should my Company have a Corporate Power of Attorney?

A Corporate Power of Attorney is a document whereby a company authorises and empowers a person (or company), namely, the Attorney, to sign documents and/or take action on behalf of the company.

13 Jul, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Avoiding GST in a Sale of Business

To avoid having to pay GST on the purchase price in a sale of business, the sale must satisfy the ‘going concern’ exemption.

23 Jun, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

The role of PPSR Searches in a Sale of Business

Prior to execution of a sale of business contract, and whether you are a vendor or a purchaser, your solicitor should undertake a search on the Personal Property Security Register (“PPSR”) for the vendor, as the normal agreement in a sale of business is that all assets of the business are to be sold free…

21 Jun, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Who can Purchase a Pharmacy Business in NSW?

There are certain legislative requirements that need to be consider when deciding on whether to purchase, and what structure to use for the purchase of, a pharmacy business.

21 Jun, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Does Your Current Business Structure No Longer Suit Your Business Needs? 

The small business restructure rollover (SBRR) allows small businesses to transfer active assets to a new entity structure without incurring an income tax liability.

20 Jun, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

Terminate or Transfer Employees in a Sale of Business?

It is critical for all parties to a sale of business transaction to understand their legal rights and obligations in relation to existing employees of the business and the financial cost of termination and/or transferring of employment.

17 Jun, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

When and Why You Need a Shareholders’ Agreement; and What Should it Cover

A Shareholders’ Agreement is a private binding contract between shareholders of a company.

18 May, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

How can my Company Raise Capital from Investors without a Prospectus?

Both Public and Private Companies seeking to raise money from investors need to comply strictly with the capital raising rules set out in the Corporations Act 2001. Failure to comply can result in fines or even imprisonment in severe cases.

29 Apr, 2022
Amanda Crosbie

New Obligations Force Franchisors to be More Transparent

The changes are designed to increase the obligations on Franchisors to be more transparent and increase the information provided to Franchisees.

09 Aug, 2021
Amanda Crosbie

Business Succession Planning – What is it and Why is it Important?

Business Succession Planning is essential for protecting your interest in a co-owned business and is an integral part of every business co-owner’s individual estate planning.

08 Jul, 2021
Amanda Crosbie

Company Constitution and the Replaceable Rules

Most companies will adopt a document called a ‘Constitution’ upon registration. A Constitution is a contract between the company, its Directors and its shareholders that prescribes the governing rules and overall management of the company.  

20 Apr, 2021
Amanda Crosbie

Sale of Business – Why is the Apportionment between Goodwill and Equipment relevant?

If your sale of business includes the transfer of both equipment and goodwill, the sale price will need to be apportioned between equipment and goodwill. There are tax implications of this apportionment and as such it is best to seek advice from your Accountant prior to agreeing to an apportionment in the sale of business…

19 Mar, 2021
Amanda Crosbie

5 Steps to Sell your Business with Confidence

Once you have made the decision to sell your business, you will need to consider whether to engage a business broker, being a professional who helps buy and sell businesses.

22 Feb, 2021
Amanda Crosbie

Discretionary Trusts and Surcharge Purchaser Duty and Land Tax

In accordance with the State Revenue Legislation Further Amendment Act 2020 (NSW), unless your Trust Deed specifies otherwise, trustees of discretionary trusts are deemed to be foreign trustees even if no eligible beneficiaries to the trust are foreign persons.

11 Sep, 2020
Amanda Crosbie

Changes to landholder duty on the transfer of shares

In NSW, you may be liable for ‘landholder duty’ when you acquire shares in a company or units in a trust that owns land (“a landholder”) with a threshold value of $2 million or more.

03 Aug, 2020
Amanda Crosbie

New Laws Introduced to Combat Illegal Phoenixing

Illegal Phoenixing arises when the assets of a company are transferred for minimal, if any, value to a related company to avoid payment of the transferor company’s debts.

13 May, 2020
Amanda Crosbie

ATO Director Penalties: What Company Directors Need to do to Avoid Personal Liability

Under the ATO’s Director Penalty regime company Directors can be personally liable for company obligations.

10 Sep, 2018
Amanda Crosbie

Can I still Recover Payment for Variations and Extras where there is No Written and Signed Contract Variation?

If you enter into a contract with a home owner to undertake residential building work and the contract price exceeds $5,000.00, then the Home Building Act provides that any variation must be in writing and signed by both parties prior to the variation works commencing.  

23 Jan, 2018
Amanda Crosbie

When Can I Claim Under a Policy of Insurance Under the Home Building Compensation Fund?

Insurance under the Home Building Compensation Fund is required to be obtained by a builder entering into a residential building contract of greater than $20,000 with a home owner prior to commencing any work under that contract.

23 Jan, 2018
Amanda Crosbie

Common Misconceptions about Contracting in the Building & Construction Industry

What to do to avoid getting caught out!

06 Jun, 2017
Amanda Crosbie

Consequences of failing to comply with the Home Building Act

The Home Building Act 1989 (“the Act“) places obligations upon contractors who contract directly with home owners to undertake residential building work.

12 Jun, 2016
Amanda Crosbie

Consequences of not making Effective Business Contracts

By far the most common cause of commercial disputes is the failure of the parties to adequately record the terms of their agreement in writing.

28 Jan, 2015
Amanda Crosbie

Are you Ready to Sign a Franchise Agreement?

Buying a Franchise is a bit like getting married. You are making a long term legal commitment to another party who you hopefully know and can trust. The failure of the marriage can have significant financial implications.

27 Aug, 2013
Amanda Crosbie

Advanced Estate Planning for Business Owners

What good is a Will if you lose all your assets during your lifetime?

18 May, 2011
Amanda Crosbie
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Amanda Crosbie
Partner
Accredited Specialist (Business Law)

Meet Our Team

Our Specialist Lawyers include
3 Accredited Specialists in Commercial Litigation, 1 Accredited Specialist in Employment & Industrial Law and 1 Accredited Specialist in Business Law.

We are a leading specialist business and litigation law firm delivering accessible big firm expertise with a personal client experience that is first class.

Our People
5
Law Society Accredited Specialists
99 %
More Accredited Specialists in Commercial Litigation than 99% of all law firms in NSW

Sam Roberts

Managing Partner
Accredited Specialist (Commercial Litigation)
Newcastle

Sam is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation with over 20 years’ experience helping businesses solve complex legal problems.

Tony Peterson

Partner
Accredited Specialist (Commercial Litigation)
Newcastle

Tony has 15 years of experience representing businesses and their owners in large and complex commercial and shareholder disputes.

Jack Lindgren

Special Counsel
Accredited Specialist (Commercial Litigation)
Newcastle

Jack is an Accredited Specialist in Commercial Litigation who specialises in Building and Construction and professional negligence claims.

Alexander Ware

Special Counsel
Head of Commercial Litigation (Sydney)
Sydney

Alexander is an experienced Commercial Litigation Lawyer who specialises in complex commercial and construction disputes, and insolvency-related claims.

Phil Blaxell

Special Counsel
Sydney

Phil is an experienced Litigation Lawyer with a track record for winning cases and advocating strongly for his clients.

Haydon Potter

Senior Associate Solicitor
Accredited Specialist (Employment & Industrial Law)
Newcastle

Haydon specialises in Employment & Industrial Law and leads our Workplace Team. He assists employers to navigate complex workplace issues, minimise risk and manage their workforce with confidence.

Christa Chapman

Senior Associate Solicitor
Newcastle

Christa is a Commercial and Property Lawyer who is known for her diligence and personal approach by her many repeat clients.

Andrei Jerdetski

Senior Associate Solicitor
Sydney

Andrei is a dual qualified Building & Construction Lawyer whose practice focuses on the resolution of complex commercial and residential building disputes.

Shree Gaikwad

Associate Solicitor
Sydney

Shree is a Commercial Litigation Solicitor whose practice focuses on business and construction disputes.

Cheryl Pacheco

Solicitor
Newcastle

Cheryl assists businesses and individuals resolve workplace disputes, unfair dismissal claims, and compliance matters, with clarity and confidence.

Blake Brodbeck

Solicitor
Newcastle

Blake is a skilled litigator experienced in resolving commercial and residential construction disputes, including Security of Payment claims, commercial lease disputes, contractual claims and debt recovery.