Following on from the previous item, the second set of most commonly provided areas of law within a law firm will be described here. We dealt in the first article with business and agricultural structures and arrangements, family and relationship law and not for profit. Leading law firms also offer 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 realise the varying number of processes which are involved in this area. Your lawyers may review a contract, keep a record of key dates, check on your financial requirements, help with transfer duty and the payment of this, arrange and attend the settlement, advise council on change of ownership, and liaise with your bank.
Commercial and Property Law
Commercial and Property Law involves acting for people when they are developing property, or buying 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, business structuring, planning law, advice on security, guarantees and loan documentation, information on consolidations or subdivisions and advice on rates, land tax, ST and other taxes.
Environmental and Development Law
Contact with an expert in this area of law may be needed if there are any issues over the use of the environment or the impact of building or running a business 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 give advice regarding civil litigation claims and freedom of information issues. For private clients, a firm can offer advice on government legislation, and local law and planning.
Native Title
Due to decisions in the High Court during the 1990s, there may now 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 solicitor dealing with 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 well-rounded picture of what each of these families 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 involves acting for people in business 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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