Legal Help for New Ventures
Start Your Business in Melbourne
Legal Guidance for New Businesses
Company, Sole Trader, Trust, Association, or Charity
Starting a business is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re registering a company, setting up as a sole trader, creating a trust, or forming a charity or association, it’s important to make the right legal choices early. At Scherini Lawyers, we guide you through the legal essentials so your new venture begins on solid ground.
Step-by-Step Legal Support for New Businesses
Step 1: Choose the Right Structure
We’ll explain the pros and cons of various legal structures:
- Company: A separate legal entity ideal for growing businesses looking for liability protection and tax flexibility.
- Sole Trader: Easy to set up and manage, suitable for small, independent operations.
- Partnership: Shared ownership with clear roles, profits, and liabilities.
- Trust: Useful for asset protection and tax planning.
- Association or Charity: For not-for-profit purposes, requiring specific compliance and reporting.
We’ll help you understand the long-term impact of your structure on tax, liability, control, and succession planning.
Step 2: Register Your Business
We’ll assist you with:
- Registering a Business Name with ASIC
- Applying for an ABN (Australian Business Number) and TFN (Tax File Number)
- Registering for GST if your turnover is likely to exceed the threshold
- Assistance with ACN (Australian Company Number) if forming a company
- Domain name registration for your online presence
Step 3: Understand Legal Obligations
We’ll walk you through:
- Employer obligations: Hiring employees requires compliance with Fair Work regulations, minimum wage, leave entitlements, and superannuation.
- Licensing and Permits: Including food business permits, retail registrations, and trade licences depending on your industry.
- Council Approvals: Required if operating from a physical location or at home.
- Insurance: Advice on public liability, workers’ compensation, and professional indemnity policies.
Step 4: Prepare the Essential Legal Documents
We’ll draft and explain:
- Employment Agreements: Ensuring you and your employees are clear on responsibilities and benefits.
- Service Contracts: For working with clients, freelancers, or consultants.
- Commercial Lease Agreements: Whether you’re leasing a retail shop, office or warehouse.
- Licensing Agreements: Granting rights for use of branding, software, or intellectual property.
- Company Policies: Including workplace conduct, privacy policy (mandatory if collecting client data), equal opportunity, WHS, and internet/email usage.
- Shareholder or Partnership Agreements: Avoid disputes later by setting clear terms from the start.
Step 5: Stay Compliant
We provide ongoing advice to ensure:
- You’re meeting ASIC reporting requirements and annual tax lodgements.
- Your staff entitlements and super contributions are up to date.
- You’re maintaining proper records and contracts.
- You’re equipped to grow, scale, or sell your business with the right legal protections in place.
Why Scherini Lawyers?
- Expertise: Decades of experience in commercial law and business setup
- Tailored Solutions: Advice specific to your industry, goals and structure
- End-to-End Support: We support your legal needs at startup and beyond
- Fixed-Fee Options: No bill shock—know what you’re paying from the start
- Local Knowledge: We understand Melbourne’s local council and state regulations
Book a Consultation
Ready to begin? Contact Scherini Lawyers today to get the legal support your business needs from day one. We’re here to help new business owners in Melbourne take the right steps from the very beginning.
