For accountants & advisers
Refer with confidence.
When your client's problem needs a lawyer, call us early.
You are often the first to see it. A partner is locked out of the accounts. Money is moving that shouldn't be. A client is about to launch under a name they can't protect. We work alongside accountants and advisers to deal with these problems early, while more options are open.
2020–2026
Big-firm experience. Boutique agility.
What to refer
Three problems accountants see first
If you notice any of these signs in a client's business, a short call now usually costs less than a dispute later.
Partner and shareholder fallouts
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
- Owners no longer agree on drawings, dividends or salaries
- An owner is locked out of bank accounts or records
- Unexpected changes on the ASIC register
- Someone wants out, with no agreed price or process
- A deadlocked board
How we help: shareholder and partnership disputes, oppression claims, deadlocks, exits and buy-outs, and breaches of directors' duties.
Shareholder and partnership disputes →Fraud and misappropriation
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
- Payments to unfamiliar suppliers or related parties
- Invoices that don't match goods, services or approvals
- A supplier's bank details changed by email
- Staff who resist oversight or won't take leave
- Money, stock or client lists moved before someone leaves
How we help: we act quickly to investigate and recover. Where justified, we seek urgent orders to preserve assets and evidence.
Fraud and cyber crime →Brand clearance and IP disputes
SIGNS TO LOOK FOR
- A new business name, assumed to protect the brand
- A product launch, rebrand or expansion coming up
- A letter of demand or cease-and-desist received
- A competitor copying a name, product or content
- IP held by a director or contractors before a sale or raise
How we help: trade mark clearance and filing, IP ownership checks before a sale or raise, and enforcing or defending IP rights.
Trade marks and IP disputes →How it works
Your client is looked after. You stay in the loop.
- 1Call or email usA few lines on what you've seen is enough. No confidential detail yet.
- 2We check conflicts and make contactWith you or your client directly, whichever you prefer.
- 3A principal reviews itYour client speaks with a senior lawyer from the first conversation.
- 4You stay informedWith your client's consent, we update you at the key points.
- 5The relationship stays yoursWe don't give accounting or tax advice. We work alongside you.
We explain costs before work starts. Some stages may be handled on a fixed-fee basis.
Big-firm experience.
Boutique agility.
Questions accountants ask
FAQ
What kinds of matters can I refer?
Partner and shareholder disputes, suspected fraud or misappropriation, and brand clearance and IP disputes. We also act in commercial, technology, privacy and reputation matters. If you're unsure, call us.
Will you keep me informed?
Yes. With your client's consent, we update you at the key points of the matter.
Will you take over my client relationship?
No. We don't give accounting or tax advice. We work alongside you, and with the client's authority we involve you where financial records or analysis are needed.
How quickly can you act?
We assess urgent matters promptly. Where the circumstances justify it, we can apply to court for urgent orders to preserve assets or evidence.
Does a registered business name protect my client's brand?
No. Registering a business name with ASIC does not give exclusive rights to the name. Registering a trade mark with IP Australia does. A clearance search before launch reduces the risk of a dispute later.
Have a client who needs a lawyer?
Call us early. A short conversation now can save a long dispute later.