Corporate Law

From setting up a new business, restructuring, or sale of business, we at Cogent Legal can help you make your business a success. We can provide advice and drafting on shareholder agreements, partnership agreements and other advice that you need to operate within the rules and regulations that govern your business.

We can help you with:

  • Setting up a company
  • Shareholders Agreement
  • Share Sale Agreement
  • Subscription Agreement
  • Buy/Sell Agreements
  • Notifying ASIC of relevant changes
  • Acting as ASIC registered agent
  • Company resolutions and consents
  • Company Secretary functions
  • Dispute Resolution 

Company Secretary

A company secretary is responsible for the good governance of the business and compliance under regulatory regimes. The company secretary should provide legislation compliance, corporate structure advice and the proper operation and maintenance of a company. As the responsibilities of the board have increased, the volume of work and necessary skills to support the board have enhanced the role of the company secretary. 

An external company secretary allows you to focus on the day-to-day business and not be weighed down by the complex legal obligations. At Cogent Legal, we can provide these services while you get on with making your business a success.

We can help you with:

  • Act as your Company Secretary
  • Manage board, committee and shareholder meetings
  • Provide ASIC compliance
  • Provide corporate governance advice

Employment Law

From unfair dismissal provisions to general protections claims, Cogent Legal provides advice to employers and employees on Fair Work Claims. Recent case law may change the obligations you have to your employee or contractor, so be prepared and get so clear advice today. We have experience in drafting clear contracts of employment and considering your obligations under the National Employment Standard and any relevant awards that may apply. 

For employers, a well drafted employment agreement may prevent employment claims from arising in the first place; ask us to assist you with employment agreements.

For employees, knowing your rights and entitlements will ensure that you are protected in the work place.

We can help you with: 

  • Employment agreements
  • Human Resources Policies
  • Unfair dismissal and termination
  • Workplace bullying and harassment
  • Confidentiality and Restraint of Trade

Franchise Law

We will assist you with navigation of the Franchise Act and Regulations in creation of a new franchise and franchise agreement. Additionally, we represent franchisors and franchisees in franchise disputes.

We can help you with:

  • Negotiating a franchise agreement
  • Reviewing and advice on franchise terms
  • Support in establishing a new franchise
  • Dispute resolution

Sale and Purchase of Business

When purchasing or selling a business, there are many aspects to consider including employee transfers, fit outs and stock, licencing, and special conditions. At Cogent Legal, we work with you to ensure that all your personal and commercial considerations are met. We assist in both the sale and purchase of businesses, including small businesses, and the preparation of a contract of Sale and s52 declaration requirements of a business sale under $450,000.

Buying a business can be complex, given what obligations and regulations apply to you and your business. We can assist you with everything from initial due diligence, negotiations, review of the agreement right down to making sure you get everything you need at completion to have clear title to the business.

We can help you with:

  • Landlord’s Consents
  • Due Diligence
  • Negotiating business sale terms
  • Preparing Sale of Business contracts
  • Licensing and Regulatory requirements
  • Finalising settlement

Loan Agreements

At Cogent Legal, we understand that having available capital is an essential part of growing or securing your business. We have experience in drafting and reviewing employee loan agreements, loan agreements between private individuals, loan agreements between companies and loan agreements between family members. We are able to provide advice and give appropriate thought and consideration to the specific situation and parties involved. Your rights and obligations under these loans will be made clear.

We can help with:

  • Drafting loan agreements
  • Reviewing loan agreements
  • Providing independent legal advice