5 Best Commercial Lawyers in Melbourne
Updated 22 September 2026 · How we rank law firms
Compare the 5 highest-rated commercial lawyers in Melbourne, ranked by Google rating across 1,287 client reviews (average 5.0 stars). Major commercial disputes in Melbourne are heard in the Commercial Court, a specialist sub-division of the Supreme Court of Victoria's Trial Division. Business claims up to $100,000 go to the Magistrates' Court, and the County Court's Commercial Division at 250 William Street hears larger debt, contract and property claims.
Best commercial lawyers in Melbourne
-
1
FAL Lawyers Editor's pick
-
2
Pearce Webster Dugdales Editor's pick
-
3
Sanicki Lawyers Editor's pick
-
4
AM Legal Editor's pick
-
5
Chaina & Sim Lawyers Editor's pick
-
6
Roberts Gray Lawyers
4.95score -
7
Unite Legal
4.89score -
8
Rankin Business Lawyers
4.88score -
9
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne
4.87score -
10
Nevile & Co. Lawyers
4.85score
Editor's picks are chosen by our editors and labelled; the firms below them are ordered by score. Source: Google Maps business listings for “commercial lawyer melbourne”, checked 22 September 2026. Ordered by a review-weighted rating. How we rank law firms
Standouts among commercial lawyers in Melbourne
Highest weighted score
Roberts Gray Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 297 reviews.
Most reviewed
Nevett Ford Lawyers Melbourne: 461 Google reviews, rated 4.9.
Highest rated with 100+ reviews
Roberts Gray Lawyers: 5.0 stars from 297 reviews.
Where are commercial disputes heard in Melbourne?
The Supreme Court's Commercial Court includes a Corporations List for matters such as applications to set aside statutory demands and to wind up insolvent companies. The County Court's Commercial Division has four lists: General, Expedited, Banking and Finance, and Building Cases. VCAT deals with some business matters, including retail lease disputes.
What Victoria-specific rules apply?
The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) applies uniformly across Australia, but Victoria has its own court structure for contract and debt claims. The Magistrates' Court hears most money claims up to $100,000, and the County Court has no monetary cap on its civil jurisdiction. Retail lease disputes under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) must go to the Victorian Small Business Commission before VCAT.
How much does a commercial lawyer cost in Melbourne?
Fees for commercial lawyers in Melbourne depend on the matter, the lawyer's seniority and the fee model (hourly, fixed fee or conditional). Before any work starts, a law firm must disclose its costs in writing when they are likely to exceed the disclosure threshold. See How Much Does a Lawyer Cost in Australia? for typical ranges and fee models.
Free and low-cost legal help in Melbourne
The Victorian Small Business Commission offers low-cost mediation for small business and retail lease disputes. See Free Legal Advice in Australia for more options.
Melbourne commercial FAQs
What is the Commercial Court in Melbourne?
The Commercial Court is part of the Supreme Court of Victoria's Trial Division, with specialist judges who manage commercial disputes. Any commercial or corporations case can be entered unless another specialist list suits it better.
Where is a statutory demand challenged in Melbourne?
An application to set aside a statutory demand can be made in the Supreme Court of Victoria, where it is managed in the Corporations List, or in the Federal Court. It must be filed within 21 days of the demand being served.
Do I need a Melbourne lawyer for a federal company law issue?
No. The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) is national, so a lawyer in any state can advise. For a dispute heard in a Victorian court, a lawyer familiar with its practice notes is useful.
