Family-owned businesses aren’t just companies, they’re legacies. At Dundas Lawyers®, we bring our uncommon business acumen and multidisciplinary insight to support family businesses in a way that’s business-smart, practical, commercial, and forward-looking. Whether it’s assisting with structuring, governance or long-term planning, we understand the unique blend of business and family dynamics. We aim to help owners protect and preserve value across generations, with legal advice that makes sense for the business, and for the people behind it.
Why choose Dundas Lawyers®?
Having exerted Blood Sweat and Years® since April 2010 we are the team you want on your side for the long term to act as the ‘bodyguard’ for your family business. Some of the reasons clients choose Dundas Lawyers® include:
- our Uncommon business acumen;
- our Uncommon expertise in transactional, compliance and litigious matters;
- our Uncommon expertise forensic case preparation;
- our Uncommon customer focus;
- the fact that we don’t just know law, we know business!
- how we leverage our Uncommon Nous® to provide client centric solutions.
Considering getting a lawyer to advise your business?
For a confidential, no obligation initial telephone call to find out how we can help your family business gain an uncommon advantage, please phone our team on either 1300 386 529 or 07 3221 0013.
Malcolm Burrows B.Bus.,MBA.,LL.B.,LL.M.,MQLS.
Legal Practice Director
T: +61 7 3221 0013 (preferred)
M: +61 419 726 535
E: mburrows@dundaslawyers.com.au
Legislation
- Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)
- Corporations Regulations 2001 (Cth)
- Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
- Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth)
- Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth)
- Income Tax Assessment Regulations 1997 (Cth)
- Succession Act 1981 (QLD)
- Business.gov.au provides support for businesses in Australia
- Family Business Association
Recent insights for family businesses
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Can a unit trust be wound up by the oppression remedies
The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corps Act) grants the Courts the power to award remedies under section 233, specifically designed to address situations of oppression within corporate entities under section 232. These remedies, also known as the “Oppression Remedies”, aim to resolve situations where a company’s conduct unfairly prejudices its members or shareholders. While primarily…
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What exactly are retained earnings?
Retained Earnings are a financial metric that offers a valuable insight into a company’s financial health, extended stability and potential for future growth. They represent the profit a company has retained overtime after accounting for all liabilities including the payment (if any) of dividends.
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High Court on asset protection – house in spouse’s name
The decision of the High Court of Australia in Bosanac v Commissioner of Taxation [2022] HCA 34 (Bosanac) reaffirms the viability of protecting real property assets by registering them in the name of a spouse.
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Is it possible to obtain oppression orders during company liquidation?
Despite liquidation, minority shareholders may still have remedies if they were treated unfairly. Learn more in our article, “Shareholder Oppression and Liquidation: Are Remedies Still Available?”
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Do beneficiaries have access to the trust deed?
This article explores a beneficiary’s right to access a Trust Deed, including the Trusts Documents Rule, what Trust Documents a beneficiary is not entitled to, their rights under the Trusts Act 1973 (Qld) and Queensland’s affirmation of the common law principles.
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Shadow directors and de facto directors explained
This article examines the legal reality of de facto directors and shadow directors, which go beyond those validly appointed. It also considers whether advisory board members can be classed as such, and the implications of this status, with reference to relevant case law.
Federal Court decisions important for family businesses
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Haycraft v AF1 Services Pty Ltd [2023] FCA 774
CORPORATIONS – application for winding up of a company on just and equitable grounds under s 461(1)(k) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) – where directors of the company disagree on aspects of the conduct of the business – where relevant business is profitable, solvent and has many employees – applicable principles to just and…
