James Papas Solicitors acknowledges the Darug people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, and pays respect to Elders past, present, and emerging.

Commercial Law

Business &
Commercial Law

Practical legal advice for small businesses and commercial operators across Parramatta and Western Sydney — from buying a business to resolving disputes.

Free First Consultation(02) 9633 3122
Our Approach

Legal advice that
works for your business.

We have been advising small businesses and commercial operators in Parramatta and Western Sydney for nearly 50 years. Whether you are buying or selling a business, negotiating a lease, drafting contracts, or dealing with a commercial dispute — we provide practical, cost-effective legal advice that protects your interests.

We work with all types of small businesses and understand the commercial realities of running a business in Western Sydney.

Speak to a Lawyer
Services

Our Expertise

Business sales & purchases
Due diligence investigations
Shareholder agreements
Partnership agreements
Commercial & retail leasing
Lease negotiations & renewals
Lease assignments & subletting
Contract drafting & review
Terms & conditions
Small business advice
Business structuring advice
Franchise agreements
Employment contracts
Debt recovery
Contract disputes
Civil litigation
Commercial dispute resolution

Protect your business.
Get the right advice before you sign.

Common Questions

Business Law FAQs

QWhat legal advice do I need when buying a business?
Buying a business is a significant financial commitment. Before signing anything, you need advice on the structure of the purchase (asset sale vs share sale), due diligence on the business assets and liabilities, review of the business contract, assignment of existing leases and contracts, and advice on restraint of trade clauses. We guide you through every step.
QWhat is due diligence and why does it matter?
Due diligence is the process of investigating a business before you commit to buying it. It involves reviewing financial records, existing contracts, leases, employee entitlements, intellectual property, and any potential liabilities. Proper due diligence can reveal hidden problems and protect you from inheriting someone else's issues.
QDo I need a lawyer to review a commercial lease?
Yes. Commercial leases are complex legal documents that commit you to significant financial obligations — often for 5 years or more. We review all terms, negotiate improvements, and ensure you understand your obligations before signing. This is far less costly than dealing with an unfavourable lease later.
QWhat is the difference between a retail lease and a commercial lease?
Retail leases are governed by the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW), which provides specific protections for tenants including disclosure requirements, minimum lease terms, and restrictions on outgoings. Commercial and industrial leases are governed primarily by the lease contract itself. Different rules and protections apply to each.
QCan you help if I have a dispute with a business partner?
Yes. Disputes between business partners or co-directors are unfortunately common. We first try to resolve disputes through negotiation or mediation. If that fails, we can commence court proceedings to protect your interests and enforce your legal rights.
QWhat should be in a shareholder agreement?
A properly drafted shareholder agreement covers share ownership, decision-making procedures, deadlock resolution, what happens if a shareholder wants to sell, restrictions on competition, and what happens if a shareholder dies or becomes incapacitated. Without one, disputes can become very costly to resolve.
QHow do I recover a debt from a client or supplier?
We assist with debt recovery from initial demand letters through to Local Court or District Court proceedings and enforcement of judgments. Early action is important — the older a debt, the harder it is to recover. We handle debt recovery efficiently and cost-effectively.