HORNSBY LAWYERS – BUSINESS DISPUTE ADVISORS

Don’t let a company dispute damage your business, staff or reputation. When things don’t go to plan, you need an expert advisor on your side. Stacks Collins Thompson are the go-to Hornsby lawyers to fight for you and get a resolution – fast.

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    Business partnership disputes

    Many businesses across Sydney’s Upper North Shore operate as business partnerships – from retailers and auto repair workshops, to real estate agencies and medical practices. A dispute between partners can threaten the viability of a business and so requires swift action to reach an amicable resolution.

    Our Hornsby business lawyers can assist with drawing up a business partnership agreement and resolving partnership disputes. These might concern:
    • Dispersal of profits
    • Acquisition or disposal of assets
    • Conflicts of interest
    • Breaches of fiduciary duty
    • Dissolution of the partnership

    Contract disputes

    A contract dispute can impede business cash flow and impact normal operations, particularly when it is not dealt with quickly and effectively. There are also time limits applying to civil proceedings, so you should seek legal advice at an early stage to avoid limiting your options.

    Contract disputes typically arise where parties have differing interpretations of a contract, contest certain contract terms, or want to make changes to a contract. Stacks Collins Thompson are the Hornsby lawyers with decades of experience in helping local businesses of all sizes to resolve contract disputes, including disputes relating to:
    • Partnerships
    • Sale of shares
    • Supplier agreements
    • Franchise agreements
    • Licensing

    Debt recovery

    Not getting paid for services or products you have provided affects your cash flow and bottom line and can irreparably damage the client relationship.

    The business dispute resolution specialists at Stacks Collins Thompson can help your business recover debts and determine how best to do so. Whether you are a local boutique or the national headquarters of a multinational corporation, we can assist you with:
    • Preparing letters of demand
    • Launching legal proceedings
    • Enforcing judgment orders, including seizure of assets by a court sheriff and garnishee orders for wages or bank accounts
    • Navigating bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings

    Property, building and construction disputes

    Don’t let a property, building or construction dispute become your business’s demolition order. As Hornsby lawyers with expertise in commercial property and commercial law, Stacks Collins Thompson can help you to resolve disagreements quickly and with minimal disruption to your business. Speak to us about business disputes related to:
    • Commercial leases
    • Building and construction contracts
    • Sale agreements
    • Development and planning applications

    Small claims

    A small claim involves a claim or debt of up to $10,000. It is dealt with by the Small Claims Division of the Local Court. There is a time limit of six years to make a claim. While “small” in a legal sense, this amount of money may be far from trivial to your business. For a small business, such a sum can be significant.

    Many small claim cases can be settled out of court. This is generally simpler, more cost-effective and more amicable for both parties involved. Our debt recovery team at Stacks Collins Thompson can help you to navigate the process for pursuing a small claim, including:
    • Sending a letter of demand to the debtor who owes you money
    • Negotiating an agreement with the debtor (you could also consider contacting a Community Justice Centre about free mediation)
    • Filing a Statement of Claim form at Hornsby Local Court
    • Serving the Statement of Claim on the debtor
    • Preparing for a pre-trial review to try to settle the case
    • Representing you if the matter goes to court
    • Enforcing a court judgment

    Shareholder disputes

    Shareholder disputes are disagreements between those who own shares in your company. They can be unpleasant and may impact the overall productivity of your business. For this reason, it is important they are resolved swiftly.

    No company dispute is the same, meaning the approach that is taken must be tailored accordingly. This can differ depending on whether you have a shareholder agreement drawn up, whether the company has a constitution, the number of shareholders involved and the sticking points at the heart of the dispute.

    Seeking legal advice early on can ensure that your dispute is resolved quickly, your interests are protected, and you meet your obligations to shareholders and the company. The business dispute lawyers at Stacks Collins Thompson can help you achieve this.

    Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

    Court litigation is rarely the fastest or cheapest means of resolving a business dispute. For many small businesses, the prohibitive cost means it is not a viable option at all.

    Most courts now have alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes as another pathway to try to resolve a dispute without going to a trial. Different types of ADR processes include:
    • Negotiation
    • Mediation
    • Facilitation
    • Conciliation
    • Arbitration
    Speak to the mediation and business dispute resolution experts at Stacks Collins Thompson for advice on the best way to resolve your dispute cost-effectively and quickly.

    Business negligence and fraudulent conduct claims

    Has your business been accused of negligence, misleading or deceptive conduct, or fraudulent conduct? Then you need experienced legal advisors to aid your defence.

    As Hornsby lawyers with decades of experience in business dispute resolution, Stacks Collins Thompson can support your business in the full range of claims:
    • Restrictive trade practices, such as price fixing and the use of dominant market position
    • Unconscionable or misleading and deceptive conduct
    • Product liability and safety standards
    • Passing-off actions (imitation of a trade name, logo or products without authority)
    • Prosecuting and defending court proceedings
    • Dealing with regulatory authorities (such as the Australian Competition Tribunal)
    • Product liability
    • Advertising content

    Professional negligence

    Claims of professional negligence are serious and costly, and risk permanently damaging your reputation if they are not dealt with promptly. Conversely, people who are victims of professional negligence or of failures in duty of care can suffer profound damage to their finances, property, health or business. 

    If you have a professional negligence claim made against you, or need to make a claim against an advisor, seek legal advice straight away. The Hornsby lawyers at Stacks Collins Thompson can offer tailored advice on:
    • Understanding the nature of the claim and its legal basis
    • Compiling expert evidence to support your case
    • The time limits that apply to civil proceedings
    • Navigating commercial litigation and dispute resolution processes

    Intellectual property disputes

    Sydney’s North Shore region is the site of a number of global innovations. Granny Smith apples originated in Eastwood; ground-breaking medical research has been developed from Macquarie Park; the CSIRO invented Wi-Fi technology. 

    The intellectual property team at Stacks Collins Thompson can help your business protect its IP and take action against anyone who may infringe that IP. We can:
    • Help you understand and pursue your rights
    • Lodge patent and trademark applications
    • Determine the most appropriate and cost-effective means of protecting your IP, including litigation or alternative dispute resolution

    Government investigations and prosecutions

    Australia is one of the most highly regulated corporate environments in the world. It is increasingly complex for businesses to comply with their many obligations.

    The business dispute resolution and litigation team at Stacks Collins Thompson can explain your legal rights and obligations, act in your defence and, wherever possible, work to resolve a dispute out of court. 

    We assist businesses across the Hornsby Shire and wider North Shore region with:
    • Dealings with regulatory bodies including ASIC, APRA, ACCC and ASX
    • Investigations by the ATO and NSW Office of State Revenue (OSR)
    • Tax audits
    • Workcover and Occupational Health and Safety investigations

    Administrative law

    If a government department or official or statutory body has made a decision or acted in a way that you believe is unjust, you can apply to have the decision reviewed with the aim of having it amended or overturned altogether. You can also take steps if a government body fails to make a decision when it has a duty to do so.

    Administrative law specialists at Stacks Collins Thompson can assist your business with:
    • Freedom of Information requests under Commonwealth law
    • Matters affecting the protection of privacy
    • Interpreting the NSW Government Information (Public Access) Act and obtaining information relating to a particular NSW government decision or action
    • Interpreting the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act, which regulates the public sector
    • Administrative law challenges across a range of courts and tribunals – including state, Federal and High Courts, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the Administrative Decisions Tribunal and the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)

    Reviews from our clients

    I have been using Stacks Law Hornsby for a number of years and the whole team from David, Kay & Tracey have been nothing but amazing. Nothing is ever a hassle, all legal questions are answered promptly and with all required information. They are upfront and honest, they are always available and do not delay responses. To have support of a great legal team when you are going through life’s big challenges makes it all so much easier. Thank you to David, Kay & Tracey for being a wonderful team to work with.
    The firm and staff have been first rate professionals.
    Tracey and Kay and team do a great job supporting and executing the stressful job of buying and selling property. They first helped our son buy his first apartment, then us in our downsizing. We had good advice and guidance along the way, always available for questions, and pro-active in anticipating potential problems. We're very happy with the outcome, would use them again (except we're not going to move from our new home any time soon!). Would recommend them to anyone wanting a responsible and supportive conveyancer.
    Have been dealings with this company for many years, many different staff, on many topics from conveyancing to wills and guardianships. I have been nothing but impressed by their level of service and professionalism and advice, exceeding my expectations where other parties have not. I highly recommend them.
    We recently used Stacks Collin’s Thompson for a settlement.
    The service provided by Tracey Hussey was first rate, everything when without hitch.
    I would highly recommend.
    A huge thank you to Tracey for her kindness, speed and efficiency with our conveyancing. Tracey is very professional, knowledgeable and we would recommend her to everyone.
    I would like to thank Tracey, Kay and the team for working with me in the purchase and sale of my properties. I felt supported throughout the entire process and appreciated their prompt and thorough responses. Thanks again.
    The staff at Stacks Collins Thompson were very helpful and professional in their dealings with me in the sale of my property at Eastwood. Everything was done very efficiently, without any problems.
    Mr John Gooley was an agent of our first solicitor, in the end we gave him the brief as his clear and concise advice, was what I needed to hear( if not what i initially wanted). I was shown why my second choice was a better option. I feel I received proper legal advice, as opposed to what the representative thought I wanted to hear. A good outcome in an otherwise terrible situation. Thanks John and David.
    I am writing this letter to express my most sincere thanks for the most professional representation from Trina for my case and helping me in my time of need and being compassionate. I admire your composure, work ethic and your excellent representation for your company. I will not hesitate to use Stacks, Collins and Thompson in Hornsby for any future work needing to be addressed.

    Kind Regards
    Carol

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    Why choose Stacks

    What makes Stacks different and why you should choose us.

    Stacks is the steady hand you can trust, the lawyers you know. The ones who care about where you’re from, what you’re going through and who treat you like a person, not just another case.

    With the attention of one lawyer, backed by the expertise of many, we’re the only legal provider in Australia that gives businesses and everyday people access to expert legal services through a network of reputable local offices.

    Legal challenges can feel confusing, even intimidating, but we know what you’re going through, we know the legal terrain, we view your case individually, and we can offer the care, reassurance and expertise to guide you every step of the way.

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    No hidden fees
    We’ll always be honest and upfront. We’ll look you straight in the eye and agree on a plan before moving forward.

    Deep expertise
    We know the ropes and our professionals have expertise specific to every legal situation—many are Accredited Specialists.

    Practical advice not legalese
    We speak clearly and directly, so you understand our advice and can make decisions with confidence.

    Network of local offices
    We’re local to wherever you are, and our offices are owned and operated by friendly, local professionals, proud of their communities.

    Real client care
    We genuinely care about our clients. It’s the core of who we are and has been since the first practice was opened by ER Stack on the NSW Mid-North Coast in 1931.

    Progressive practise
    We make the process easy for you with the latest tech to keep services cost effective—and you in control.



    We’ll always be honest and upfront. We’ll look you straight in the eye and agree on a plan before moving forward.
    We know the ropes and our professionals have expertise specific to every legal situation—many are Accredited Specialists.
    We speak clearly and directly, so you understand our advice and can make decisions with confidence.
    We’re local to wherever you are, and our offices are owned and operated by friendly, local professionals, proud of their communities.
    We genuinely care about our clients. It’s the core of who we are and has been since the first practice was opened by ER Stack on the NSW Mid-North Coast in 1931.
    We make the process easy for you with the latest tech to keep services cost effective—and you in control.

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    We’re here to listen to your story anytime. We can help you understand how things work, give you confidence and guide you through your options. We’ll be honest and upfront, agreeing on what you need and how much it will cost. Your enquiry is completely confidential.
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