After hours:
0407 860 938

Commercial & Business

Running a business involves navigating numerous complexities, from hiring staff to managing business sales. The last thing you want is to tackle the overwhelming legalities that come with it. That’s where McKays Solicitors comes in — to alleviate your stress and ensure compliance across all areas of your business. Our team of lawyers are dedicated to providing the support you need to operate your business with confidence.

Why do I need a commercial and business lawyer?

Our Commercial and Business team is dedicated to getting the best outcome for you. The quality of advice and service you receive can mean the difference between success and failure and give you an edge over your competitors. Engaging a commercial and business lawyer ensures your business remains compliant and you can effectively navigate the complexities of business law.

Our lawyers are results-driven, have business acumen and understand that there is a practical side – not just the legal considerations. We listen to our clients and get deals across the line. Our passion is to partner with businesses and investors to build their portfolio and profits.

We offer specialist legal advice in this field (the only practice in Mackay with an Accredited Business Law Specialist). Our experience and expertise means we can assist clients of all sizes with day-to-day business issues, transactions, compliance and structures right through to the most complex commercial matters.

How can a business and commercial lawyer help with business operations?

We can assist you with all your business, commercial and corporate law requirements, providing legal solutions for every aspect of your business, including:

Contracts and Agreements

We can draft, review and provide advice on contracts to ensure they are compliant and have your business’ best interests in mind.

Business/Share Sales and Purchases

Our team of business and commercial lawyers can support you in the process of buying, selling or investing in a business.

PPSA registrations and advice

We provide expert advice on the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA) and assist with registrations to secure your interests.

Intellectul Property

We help you protect your brand through copyright, trademarks and patents so you can confidently call your business your own. Click here to find out more.

Company setups and corporate law

We simplify the process of setting up your company and ensure compliance with corporate governance regulations.

Business structuring

Help you choose the best structure for your business, keeping in mind important considerations such as tax and liability.

Franchising

Our expertise in franchising ensures compliance with legal requirements while providing guidance on franchise agreements and operations.

Commercial leasing

We assist with commercial leases, negotiating terms that favour your business and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

Succession

Guide you in creating a smooth transition to leadership and ownership with your growing business needs in mind.

Trusts

We provide legal advice on establishing trusts to protect assets and manage wealth effectively.

Partnerships

Our team helps you navigate the formation and management of partnerships, ensuring clarity and legal compliance.

Dispute resolution

We represent your interests in disputes, aiming for effective resolutions through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when necessary.

The team

 Our Commercial & Business Team

Andrew Coates
Director

Andrew is responsible for advising on and creating a vast array of legal documentation which includes all types of commercial relationships and transactions. He has extensive experience in a broad range of areas and has a particular interest in two areas.

Mark McGrath
Director & Notary Public

Mark focuses on commercial law including property development and town planning, leasing and conveyancing of commercial property, structuring and conveyancing of businesses and rural property transactions. Mark can also provide assistance in relation to building and construction disputes.

Suzanne Brown
Director

She is Mackay’s only Queensland Law Society Business Law Accredited Specialist and one of only 23 in Queensland. When Suzanne completed the course in 2014, she achieved the highest marks in the State and was honoured with a special award by the Chief Justice.

Lloyd Stanger
Director

Tenacious and trustworthy, he is a highly respected commercial and property lawyer with an immense passion for, and wealth of knowledge of, the property market in Mackay, the Whitsundays, Coalfields and surrounds.

Naomi Atherton (Schulte)
Senior Associate

Naomi is passionate about Mackay and giving back to the community. Naomi currently sits on the board of the Resources Centre of Excellence, an organisation which provides world-class facilities for all things relating to resource development, with an underground mine simulated training and testing facility, emerging technology capabilities, quality training and conference facilities.

Tamara Hage
Senior Associate

Tamara holds a Bachelor of Laws, First Class Honours Degree from James Cook University and was also the recipient of the University Medal upon graduating. She has many awards and recognitions to her name, including the Una Prentice Memorial Trust Award by the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland (for achieving the highest grades of all female law graduates in her year) and in 2021 was recognised as a Finalist in the 30 under 30 Lawyers Weekly Awards in the Employment and Industrial Relations category.

Hannah Smith
Senior Solicitor

Hannah Smith is a Senior Solicitor working in the McKays Estate Planning, Commercial & Business and Property & Development teams. Originally from Mackay, Hannah completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (Creative and Professional Writing) at Queensland University of Technology before going on to completing a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.

Benjamin Martin
Law Graduate

As a born and bred Mackay local, Ben joined the McKays team in 2018.He went on to complete a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at the University of Southern Queensland in 2024 in his spare time, and subsequently joined the McKays Graduate Program upon completion of his degree

Gerard Iorio
Law Graduate

Gerard initially joined the McKays team in 2023 while completing his law degree externally. He worked in our commercial law team as a law clerk during that time.

Contact us

Leading experts in commercial law solutions

Our commercial lawyers are part of the business community, with our team members holding committee and board roles in organisations such as YP Mackay, Resource Industry Network and the Resources Centre of Excellence.

We have the strength, expertise, and resources of a big, top-tier practice with the heart and soul of a small business. We love looking after our large ASX-listed corporations and local governments, as well as our mum and dad investors.

As business lawyers, we understand the complexities that come with running a company and the risks associated with having employees, stakeholders and partnerships. You are in good hands with McKays Solicitors.

Reasons why

Why choose McKays Solicitors

People focused

Here at McKays Solicitors, we put our clients’ needs first, focused on creating strong relationships based on trust and communication. Our team of commercial lawyers listens to your concerns and works to develop tailored solutions for all your legal needs.

Extensive range of legal services

We are a law firm who has a diverse range of legal services for all industries. From employment law to advice on important business decisions, our expertise ensures that everything you do is supported by accurate legal advice.

Dedicated lawyers

Our team of committed lawyers are educated across various fields of the law industry. With their in-depth knowledge and experience, they provide targeted advice and strategies for all your specific business requirements.

Knowledge of all industries

We possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses across diverse industries. This broad knowledge enables us to deliver insightful and effective legal solutions that are relevant to your sector.

Reviews

Customer testimonials

As usual, Mark has provided timely and practical advice. This allowed me to make a quick business decision and secure a vital contract for my business. Much appreciated. Choosing Mark and McKays Solicitors as our legal advisors all those years ago is one of those business decisions that I’ve never regretted making.

V, Mount Pleasant

I was extremely happy with the prompt service, the level of expertise, and the complete dedication I received from Suzanne Brown. She went well above and beyond to get my deal across the line by the required deadline. She was more pro-active, energetic and informative than any other solicitor I've ever dealt with. Suzanne has won herself a life long client in me

T, Mt Pleasant.

Thanks for everything Misty, I'm finally able to get in there and start sorting things out! Cheers again for all the persistence, I am really happy with the outcome!

M, Mackay

Suzanne, I am pretty sure that if it was in anyone's hands but yours it would not have happened, so our client is well in front by making the decision to engage you to handle the matter.

Client's accountant, Mackay

Mark, when my brother recommended you he really set me on the right path…from the time Mum and I walked in for the first appointment, I felt confident and at ease that you would take care of things in a professional manner with integrity and concern for me and you didn’t disappoint. I would like to recommend you to my friends and family as well…you all have done a great job

M, Moranbah
Contact us

Whatever your need, McKays Solicitors can help you.

Contact McKays Solicitors today to discuss how we can assist you. Our dedicated team of business and commercial lawyers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of law and ensure your business is compliant and protected.

Articles

Latest news