What does a commercial lawyer do?

We advise businesses on a wide range of legal matters, including contracts, leases, debt recovery, disputes and partnerships. The goal is to protect your interests and keep you compliant with South Australian law.

How can a commercial law firm help me?

Our team helps you navigate business law, draft and review contracts, resolve disputes and safeguard your interests. We cut through the legal jargon, give practical advice, and represent you in negotiations or litigation where needed.

Is a commercial lease legally binding?

Yes, a lease becomes binding once it complies with the law. In South Australia it must meet the requirements of the Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995 or the Landlord and Tenant Act 1936 to be enforceable.

What should be included in a commercial lease?

A lease should cover rent, term, outgoings, repair responsibilities and termination clauses. Each one should be tailored to the premises and the parties involved, so it's worth getting legal advice before you sign.

What is the Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995?

It's the South Australian legislation governing retail and certain commercial leases. It sets minimum standards and protections for both tenants and landlords, including disclosure requirements and procedural rules that apply when a lease falls within it.

What is the difference between a corporate lawyer and a business lawyer?

A corporate lawyer focuses on larger transactions, mergers and governance, while a business lawyer handles everyday matters like leases, contracts and disputes. Both support businesses, and which you need depends on your size and circumstances.

Do I need a commercial lawyer to review a business contract?

It's a sensible step. Having a solicitor review a contract before you sign makes sure the terms are fair and your interests are protected, which helps you avoid disputes or costly problems down the track.

What's the cost of hiring a commercial lawyer in Adelaide?

Fees depend on how complex your matter is. We offer fixed-fee pricing for many services and keep our rates competitive, so get in touch for a quote tailored to your needs.

Home » Contract Lawyer Adelaide

Contract Lawyers Adelaide

Advising South Australian Business Since 1970

We provide practical contract legal advice and representation to businesses throughout South Australia.

Serving Adelaide Since 1970

50+ Years Experience

Free 15 Minute Phone Consult

Trusted Adelaide Lawyers

What We Do

Our Contract Law Services

We handle business and personal contracts of all kinds for clients across South Australia.

Contract Drafting

We draft clear, enforceable contracts that protect your position and reduce the risk of a future dispute.

Contract Review and Advice

We review agreements before you sign and advise on your rights, obligations and risks.

Contract Disputes and Breach

We act on breach of contract and disputes, through negotiation or litigation where required.

Sale of Land and Business

Contracts for the sale of land, business sale agreements, loan agreements and building and construction contracts.

Leases and Partnerships

Commercial leases, partnership agreements, and property and leasing disputes.

Confidentiality and Employment

Confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements, employment agreements and unfair dismissal claims.

Family Law Agreements

Binding financial agreements and other family law agreements, drafted to protect your interests.

If you need help with a contract in Adelaide or anywhere in South Australia, our solicitors are ready to assist.

Request a Callback from a Contract Lawyer

No obligation. Confidential. Adelaide based.

For When Experience Counts

Expert Contract Solicitors Adelaide

Practical advice for South Australian businesses

Randle & Taylor Barristers and Solicitors offer personal, practical and strong representation when required. Our contract lawyers can assist you by providing comprehensive assistance with contract law documents and services.

We offer expert guidance and support from drafting and reviewing contracts to negotiating terms and conditions. Benefit from our commercial law specialists’ attention to detail, strategic advice and tailored solutions, ensuring protection of your rights and interests.

Experienced contract lawyers in Adelaide

We advise businesses and individuals at every stage of a contract, from the first draft through to enforcing it if things go wrong. Getting the wording right at the start is the best way to avoid a costly dispute later.

Our Fees Are Competitive with Other Firms in South Australia

Enjoy fixed fees for certain services, urgent advice, payment of our fees upon completion and a free initial 15-minute consultation with no obligation.

Meet Your Legal Team

The Lawyers Who Handle Your Matter

Shadan Doyle - Solicitor

View Shadan's full profile →

Angus Santostefano - Solicitor

View Angus's full profile →

What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Van Nguyen 
 09/08/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding legal service – highly recommended!

We are extremely grateful to Randle & Taylor for their professionalism, responsiveness and support during one of the most challenging periods our company has faced.

A special thank you to Jonathan Brohier, who has been absolutely outstanding throughout the entire process. Jonathan was incredibly responsive, acted quickly when urgent matters arose, and consistently provided clear, practical and reliable advice. Most importantly, we always felt that we could genuinely rely on him when we needed support the most.

His commitment, professionalism and calm approach made a significant difference to our company during a very difficult time. Jonathan went above and beyond what we expected from our legal counsel, and we truly appreciate having him by our side.

Randle & Taylor has provided us with a 5-star level of service, and Jonathan is an exceptional lawyer who we would have no hesitation recommending to other businesses.

Thank you, Jonathan and the entire Randle & Taylor team, for standing with us through a difficult chapter. We sincerely appreciate your support and dedication.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Starry Candy 
 13/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I did a quick free phone consult today and Nick was very helpful. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Janine Neumann 
 11/03/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant service every time. Highly recommend their business.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Pablo Samels 
 18/01/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Angus and Jonathan helped us with a legal issue, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Not only they did an excellent job, but they also genuinely cared about us and our situation. They took the time to listen and made us feel supported throughout the process, something that isn’t always easy to find in the legal world.
If you’re looking for legal help that is both highly professional and genuinely personal, I couldn’t recommend them more.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katarina V 
 29/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patrick and the team were thoroughly professional, diligent and committed to resolving our matter.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Bloomfield 
 27/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend. This is a company that doesn't just treat you like a number. Randle and Taylor dealt with our affairs with kindness and respect.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bailey White 
 26/08/2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Randle and Taylor have done amazing things for my family. A supportive, professional and compassionate organisation
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rob Cornish 
 08/11/2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I cannot speak highly enough of the care the support we received from Jonathan.  He helped our son start over and he has gone from strength to strength.  It is hard to find trust when a loved one needs help,  but you will not be sorry putting your faith in this honourable company.   Thank you Jonathan, blessings.
  
 
  
  
 
 
      Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Contract Law in South Australia

Commonly Asked Questions

What does a contract lawyer do?

A contract lawyer drafts, reviews, negotiates and enforces contracts across their whole lifecycle. They advise on your rights, obligations and risks before you sign, make sure a contract is clear and enforceable, and act for you if a dispute or breach arises, through negotiation or litigation if needed.

What makes a contract legally binding in Australia?

To be legally binding, a contract must meet certain essential elements:

an offer by one party,
acceptance of that offer by the other party,
consideration (something of value exchanged between the parties),
mutual intent to enter into a legal relationship,
capacity of the parties to enter into the contract, and
legality of the contract’s subject matter.

Additionally, the terms of the contract should be clear, specific, and agreed upon by all parties involved. Meeting these requirements establishes the enforceability of the contract and the parties’ obligations and rights under the law. For support enforcing or disputing a contract, seek assistance from a contract dispute lawyer.

Do verbal contracts hold up in Australia?

Yes. A verbal contract can be legally binding if it has the essential elements of a contract. The difficulty is proof, because there is no written record of what was agreed. Some contracts must be in writing to be enforceable, most notably contracts for the sale of land.

Are employment contracts legally binding in Australia?

Yes, employment contracts are legally binding in Australia. They establish the rights and obligations between employers and employees.

These contracts can be in written or verbal form, but it is recommended to have written contracts to ensure clarity and avoid disputes. Specific legislation and common law principles govern employment contracts in Australia.

If you are uncertain about or wish to dispute certain clauses of your employment contract, contact one of our employment contract lawyers in Adelaide today.

What law governs contracts in Australia?

In Australia, contracts are primarily governed by the common law system, which includes principles derived from judicial decisions and legal precedents. Additionally, each state and territory has its own legislation that may impact specific aspects of contracts.

The national legislation, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (formerly known as the Trade Practices Act), also plays a significant role in regulating contracts, particularly in relation to consumer protection and competition law.

What is a breach of contract, and what can I do about it?

A breach occurs when one party fails to meet its obligations under a binding agreement. Breaches range from minor to serious. Depending on the breach, remedies include damages to compensate your loss, an order for specific performance, or termination of the contract. Early legal advice protects your options.

How long do I have to make a breach of contract claim in South Australia?

In South Australia you generally have six years from the date of the breach to start a claim, under the Limitation of Actions Act 1936 (SA). Miss the deadline and your claim may be statute-barred, so it is best to act early.

Are text messages and emails legally binding in Australia?

They can be. A text or email may form a binding contract, or vary an existing one, if it shows offer, acceptance, consideration and an intention to be legally bound. Courts look at the substance of the exchange rather than the format, so informal messages can still create real obligations.

How much does it cost to have a contract drafted or reviewed?

It depends on the type and complexity of the contract. For many defined tasks, such as reviewing or drafting a standard agreement, Randle & Taylor can offer a fixed fee so you know the cost upfront. The best starting point is a free 15 minute phone consultation to scope the work.

What other services do you offer?

Randle & Taylor Barristers and Solicitors provide legal advice across a broad range of practice areas, including building and construction, business sales and acquisitions, commercial agreements, family law, divorce law, wills and estates, estate planning and family trusts, debt recovery, property law, commercial and residential leasing, dispute resolution and commercial litigation.

No Obligation Initial 15 Minute Telephone Consultation

(08) 8223 6477