Following on from the previous article, the second set of most commonly provided areas of law within a law firm will be outlined here. Covered in the first article were business and agricultural structures and arrangements, family and relationship law and not for profit. Leading regional law firms also provide services in the areas of property and conveyancing. This area involves acting for people who are buying or selling land and residential or commercial property. Most people do not understand the varying range of processes which are involved in this area. Your lawyers can review a contract, keep a record of key dates, check on your financial requirements, help with transfer duty and the payment of this, organise and attend the settlement, advise council on the change of ownership, and liaise with your bank.
Commercial and Property Law
Commercial and Property Law typically involves acting for people when they are developing property, or purchasing or selling rural property, industrial or commercial enterprises. Most of the processes are the same as for Property and Conveyancing, but can also include leasing, planning law, advice on security, guarantees and loan documentation, information on consolidations or subdivisions and advice on ST, land tax, rates and other taxes.
Environmental and Development Law
This area of law may be needed if there are any issues regarding the use of the environment or the impact that building or running a business may have on the environment. Lawyers can help their clients in the Planning and Environment Court and represent clients faced with environmental protection orders. Included in this area is also Local Government Laws. Solicitors can act for the local government in interpretation of local laws, and provide advice regarding civil litigation claims and freedom of information issues. For private clients, the firm may offer advice on government legislation, and local law and planning.
Native Title
Due to decisions in the High Court during the 1990s, there may be Native Title over land that rural and mining clients will need advice on. With many grazing and term leases coming due for renewal over Qld, this is becoming a larger part of a law firm’s service provided to rural clients.
Tax Effective Estate Planning and Testamentary Trusts
Every family and financial situation is different from another. A lawyer working within this area of law will act for people in areas related to planning for their future and the future of their family. Lawyers need to gain a comprehensive idea of what each family’s hopes regarding these are. Services in this area would include wills, powers of attorney, health directives, trusts, succession planning, estate disputes and administration and superannuation nomination. And this may also include rural and business estate planning.
Commercial Litigation
Commercial litigation means acting for people in business who are having disputes. This may be an individual, a contractor, shareholder, executor or company. Services provided in this area may be litigation or dispute resolution for construction, building, trusts, wills, contracts, debt collection, workplace relations, bankruptcy or corporate issues.
The content in this article is for information only. It does not represent legal advice and is provided solely for the information of the reader. Always consult a lawyer before taking any action on matters which affect your legal rights and obligations.
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