Ensuring the success of local business
Providing regional and rural businesses with modern and efficient legal services from experienced lawyers, right here where you live and work.
Whatever the stage of your business, OFRM Lawyers is with you to make sure you have all the legal matters covered. We work with you and your business providing strategic advice and implementing practical solutions.
Our Business Law Team
At OFRM Lawyers we have been providing excellent legal advice to individuals, families and businesses in Bendigo and throughout Central and Northern Victoria for many years.
Leading businesses in Regional Victoria rely on excellent guidance and advice from OFRM Lawyers. Our team pride themselves on being able to work with you to ensure that you and your business benefits from our legal skills and knowledge.
Trusted legal support across industries
Running a successful business can come with challenges at every stage. From startup to growth, succession planning, and eventual sale, we support businesses of all sizes, including professional services, trades, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing.
We provide expert legal services for a range of business services. OFRM Business Law is here for you every step of the way to success.
Voted Leading Agribusiness Firm
OFRM Lawyers is proud to be listed among the Leading Agribusiness Law Firms in Victoria for 2026 and 2025, as recognised by Doyle’s Guide, a ranking shaped by the votes of clients and the state’s commercial law peers.
As a regionally based law firm in Bendigo, we are passionate about regional and rural Australia and have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing agribusinesses across Victoria. We bring practical, commercial advice with a genuine commitment to rural and farming communities.
Business Law FAQs – What business owners ask us most
1. What should I consider when starting a business in Australia?
Choose the right legal structure (sole trader, partnership, company, trust) and put clear agreements in place between business partners. We help you set up strong legal foundations from day one.
2. Do I need Terms and Conditions for my business?
Yes — they set clear rules with your customers and clients, help prevent disputes, outline payment terms, and limit liability and risk. Well drafted terms protect your cash flow and reputation.
3. What should be included in a commercial lease for landlords?
Every lease should cover security (bank guarantees or personal), rent reviews, make-good clauses, outgoings, and consent for works. Customised leases protect your property and rental income.
4. What should tenants look out for in commercial leases?
Check make-good obligations, maintenance duties, outgoings, permitted use, and lease renewal terms. These clauses can cost you time and money if not reviewed properly.
5. What should an employment contract include?
Key clauses include termination rights, award compliance, confidentiality, non-compete restraints, and how workplace policies apply. These reduce legal risks and future disputes.
6. What’s involved in selling a business?
Selling a business involves due diligence, preparing contracts, transferring leases and assets, and final settlement. We guide you through each step to protect your interests.
7. Do I need a Heads of Agreement before selling?
A Heads of Agreement sets out key deal terms upfront. It helps reduce misunderstandings, but should be reviewed by a lawyer to avoid accidental legal obligations.
8. What happens if a business partnership breaks down?
Without an agreement, it can be hard to force a buyout or value shares fairly. We help draft ownership agreements that set clear rules for exits, buyouts, and non-compete protections. Learn more in our blog The pitfalls of business breakups and how to avoid them by one of our Business Lawyers.