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New Client Identification Requirements From 1 July 2026

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Under new AML/CTF laws, we’re required to verify your identity and, for some matters, ask about the source of your funds before we can act for you. These checks apply to every client, including returning ones.

Under new AML/CTF laws, we’re required to verify your identity and, for some matters, ask about the source of your funds before we can act for you. These checks apply to every client, including returning ones.

Learn more

Commercial & Business Lawyers Sunshine Coast

Practical Support For All Your Commercial & Business Needs

When your business faces complex legal challenges, you need experienced commercial and business lawyers who understand Australian law. At Pathway Legal, we provide comprehensive commercial and business law services to companies across the Sunshine Coast, helping you navigate legal complexities with confidence.

Key advantages of choosing Pathway Legal:

  • Local expertise: Deep understanding of the Sunshine Coast business environment and regulations.
  • Comprehensive legal services: Full spectrum of commercial and business law solutions under one roof.
  • Tailored approach: Legal strategies designed specifically for your business needs.
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Our Commercial & Business Law Services

Business Sales, Mergers & Acquisitions

Our team guides you through every aspect of a business transaction. Whether you’re buying, selling, or merging, we provide the legal advice needed to protect your interests and facilitate smooth transactions.

Our M&A services include:

  • Due diligence reviews
  • Contract negotiation and drafting
  • Regulatory compliance guidance
  • Transaction structuring advice
  • Put and call option arrangements
  • Settlement coordination and attendance

Commercial, Industrial & Retail Leasing

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, we provide guidance on all aspects of commercial, industrial, and retail leasing. The type of lease depends on the business and the premises involved, and the wrong terms can lock in problems for years.

Our leasing services include:

  • Drafting and negotiating lease terms
  • Commercial, industrial, and retail leasing agreements
  • Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 compliance and disclosure
  • Protection of tenants’ and landlords’ rights

Retail leases require particular care due to strict regulatory requirements under Queensland’s Retail Shop Leases Act 1994. We make sure disclosure obligations are met on both sides and the agreement is valid and enforceable.

Business Structuring & Corporate Governance

The structure you choose at the start affects your tax obligations, personal liability, and how easily you can grow or exit. Restructuring after the fact is usually expensive and disruptive.

We assist with:

  • Company incorporation and registration
  • Partnership agreements
  • Trust structures and legal guidance
  • Corporate governance frameworks
  • Asset protection strategies

Commercial Contracts & Agreements

Well-drafted contracts protect your business interests and prevent costly disputes. We create agreements tailored to your specific business requirements.

Contract services include:

  • Commercial leasing agreements
  • Supply and distribution contracts
  • Employment agreements
  • Shareholder and unitholder agreements

Franchise Advice & Agreements

A franchise opportunity requires careful evaluation of the operating system, products, and risk profile. The Franchise Code of Conduct is detailed, and franchise agreements are often weighted in favour of the franchisor.

We provide clear, practical advice to help you understand your rights and obligations, including:

  • Reviewing the disclosure document
  • Explaining franchise agreement terms
  • Breaking down fees and ongoing costs
  • Advising on termination and exit provisions

Loan Agreements & Guarantees

Loan Agreements & Guarantees
A loan agreement should clearly set out the loan amount, repayment schedule, interest rate, and security. Vague terms create disputes.

For loans, we assist with:

  • Loan agreement drafting and negotiation
  • Security documentation and registration
  • Mortgage lodgement and registration
  • Lender protection strategies

Guarantees are a separate matter. As a guarantor, you’re legally responsible for the borrower’s obligations if they can’t fulfil them. Queensland law requires guarantors to receive independent legal advice before signing, and we provide the comprehensive review and Legal Advice Certificate lenders require.

Trusts

A trust is an arrangement where a trustee legally holds property for the benefit of others (the beneficiaries). The trustee has legal ownership but must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries at all times.

Trusts are commonly used in property, estate planning, business structuring, and probate matters. Our team draws on extensive experience to provide practical guidance across all aspects of trust law, including:

  • Setting up trusts and selecting the right structure
  • Trustee duties and obligations
  • Trust administration and compliance
  • Advice on disputes and estate-related trusts

Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution

When business disputes arise, swift resolution protects your commercial interests. Our team provides strategic advice and representation across all forms of commercial disputes.

We handle:

  • Contract disputes
  • Partnership disagreements
  • Debt recovery matters
  • Regulatory compliance issues

40+ years’ combined experience

Boutique, personal service

Office in the heart of Maroochydore

Fixed-fee conveyancing

Industries We Serve

Our commercial and business lawyers work across diverse industry sectors, providing specialised knowledge and tailored legal solutions:

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Healthcare & medical practices

Regulatory compliance, practice sales, and professional agreements.

Construction & development

Contract negotiation, project structuring, and dispute resolution.

Technology & innovation

IP protection, licensing agreements, and startup legal frameworks.

Retail & hospitality

Commercial leasing, franchise agreements, and employment matters.

Professional services

Partnership structures, succession planning, and regulatory compliance.
How to get started

Simple from the very first call

1

Initial Consultation Process

We begin every client relationship with a comprehensive consultation to understand your business needs and legal objectives. That allows us to provide targeted advice and develop strategies that deliver practical results.

2

Transparent Fee Structure

Our commercial and business law services operate on clear, transparent fee arrangements. We discuss costs upfront and provide detailed estimates so you understand the investment required for your legal matters.
3

Ongoing Legal Support

Beyond individual transactions, we provide ongoing legal support to help your business navigate changing regulations, market conditions, and growth opportunities.
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What Our Clients Say

★★★★★  5.0 · 120+ Google reviews

Why Choose Us

Why Choose Pathway Legal for Commercial & Business Law?

Your matter is our priority. To discuss your options, please get in touch with us today.

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Local Sunshine Coast Property Expertise

As established commercial and business lawyers on the Sunshine Coast, we understand the challenges facing local businesses. Our knowledge of regional markets, regulations, and business networks gives you valuable context and connections.

Comprehensive Service Integration

Rather than managing multiple legal providers, you can access all your commercial and business law needs through one experienced team. That means consistency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across every matter.

Client-Focused Service

We prioritise clear communication and practical advice that makes sense for your business. We take the time to understand your objectives and provide legal solutions aligned with your commercial goals.

Proven Track Record

Our team has guided Sunshine Coast businesses through complex legal challenges across a range of industries, from small enterprises through to established corporates.
Questions & answers

Frequently asked questions

What types of businesses do you represent as commercial and business lawyers?

We represent businesses of all sizes across the Sunshine Coast, from sole traders and partnerships through to large corporations. Our expertise spans healthcare, construction, technology, retail and hospitality, and professional services. Whether you’re a startup setting up your initial legal structure or an established business with a complex transaction, we provide tailored legal solutions.

Fees vary depending on the complexity and scope of your legal needs. We provide transparent fee estimates during initial consultations and offer different billing arrangements, including fixed fees for standard matters and hourly rates for complex transactions.
Business transactions involve multiple legal steps: due diligence reviews, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance checks, and settlement coordination. Key considerations include the contract terms, employee obligations, lease arrangements, and potential liabilities you may inherit. We guide you through each stage, ensuring proper documentation, risk assessment, and legal protection. Timeframes vary depending on transaction complexity.
Yes. Commercial leases involve complex legal obligations, particularly retail leases under Queensland legislation. Professional legal advice protects your interests and confirms compliance with regulatory requirements.

The optimal structure depends on your business activities, number of stakeholders, expected income, growth plans, and tax considerations. We assess your specific circumstances and recommend the structure that fits.

Yes. A professional review identifies risks, negotiates favourable terms, and confirms agreements comply with regulations. Well-drafted contracts reduce misunderstandings and offer legal recourse if issues arise.

A franchise review covers the Franchise Code of Conduct, operational obligations, territorial rights, fee structures, and termination provisions. The goal is for you to understand all commitments before proceeding.

Queensland law requires it because guaranteeing someone’s obligations carries significant financial and legal risk. We make sure you fully understand the implications before signing.

From 1 July 2026, we’re legally required to verify the identity of every client on certain types of matters, including property, business, and trust-related work. The requirement applies to every client, including returning ones. It doesn’t reflect any personal concern about you, and there’s no exception for existing relationships.

Each business captured under the new AML/CTF laws is required to complete its own client checks for the services it provides. Even if you’ve already provided your ID and details to your real estate agent, your bank, or another law firm, we’re still legally required to do the same checks ourselves. We know it’s frustrating, and we’ll make our part as quick as possible.

Not if we handle it upfront. The ID check is built into the start of your matter, well before settlement. The main cause of delays is putting it off, so the sooner you provide what we ask for, the smoother your matter will be.

For some matters, we’re required to ask where the money in a transaction is coming from. This is more common for higher-value or higher-risk transactions. If you’re unsure how to answer or you don’t have the documentation ready, talk to us. We can usually work it out together. If we can’t complete the checks, we’re unable to act for you on the matter.

The new laws apply to specific “designated services”, which for us includes conveyancing and property, business sales, purchases and restructures, and company and trust matters. General advice, litigation, and family law matters aren’t captured. If you’re not sure whether your matter is affected, we’ll let you know at your first appointment.

Pathway Legal set up their first office on the Gold Coast in 2008, with their second office opening in Coolum Beach in 2017. Pathway Legal is also now located in Maroochydore.

Services

Firm

Offices

Sunshine Coast
24 Duporth Avenue,
Maroochydore Q 4558
07 5446 6857

Gold Coast
Suite 11, Level 1,
Runaway Bay Marina
Runaway Bay Q 4216
07 5446 6857

© 2026 Pathway Legal. All rights reserved.

Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation. The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Any communication with Pathway Legal is treated in the strictest confidence; contacting us does not create a lawyer–client relationship until a formal engagement is confirmed.