Anne McDonald & Associates Lawyers

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Anne McDonald & Associates Lawyers Anne McDonald Lawyers & Associates have many years of experience in personal and commercial matters.

Life doesn't divide itself neatly into legal practice areas, which is why our team supports clients across a broad range...
08/10/2026

Life doesn't divide itself neatly into legal practice areas, which is why our team supports clients across a broad range of personal and business matters.

Our work includes business/commercial law, conveyancing and property, family law, and estate planning,

Although different legal matters require different advice, our approach remains consistent: understand your circumstances, explain your options clearly and provide practical support.

06/10/2026

Buying or selling a house is a major transaction, and a little preparation can help you avoid some very expensive surprises.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

✅ Signing before getting advice: Once contracts are exchanged, the transaction becomes legally binding in NSW, subject to the applicable circumstances.

✅ Overlooking disclosure requirements: Sellers have legal obligations around information and documents that may need to accompany the contract.

✅ Leaving everything until the last minute: Conveyancing involves checks, documents, finance and settlement arrangements.

The best time to identify a problem is usually before you've committed to the transaction - if you'd like a lawyer to review your contract, get in touch.

📞 (02) 9166 0939
📧 anne@annemcdonaldlawyers

Myth: “My website has a generic privacy policy, so my business is covered.”Fact: A privacy policy should reflect how you...
04/10/2026

Myth: “My website has a generic privacy policy, so my business is covered.”

Fact: A privacy policy should reflect how your business actually handles personal information.

For organisations covered by the Australian Privacy Principles, the OAIC says a privacy policy should be clearly expressed, up to date and explain how the organisation manages personal information.

That means the questions you need to answer aren't only about whether you have a privacy policy. They should be about:

🔹 How and why the information is collected
🔹 How you hold onto the information
🔹 Who the information is disclosed to

If your business has changed but your privacy policy has not, it may be time to review whether the document still reflects reality.

Taking on your first employee is an exciting milestone for a growing business, but it can also be the point where inform...
01/10/2026

Taking on your first employee is an exciting milestone for a growing business, but it can also be the point where informal arrangements need to become proper processes.

Before your new employee starts, make sure the foundations of the employment relationship are clear. This includes:

1️⃣ The employment arrangement
2️⃣ Minimum entitlements
3️⃣ Pay and conditions
4️⃣ Policies and procedures
5️⃣ Business records

The Fair Work Ombudsman confirms that minimum employment terms can come from the National Employment Standards, an applicable award or registered agreement, and the employment contract.

Getting these foundations right early can help prevent confusion, misunderstandings and disputes as your business and team grow.

Preparing to make your first hire? Getting early legal advice from our team can help you to put the right arrangements in place from day one - get in touch below.

📞 (02) 9166 0939
📧 anne@annemcdonaldlawyers

⚖️ Legal Lingo ⚖️What is 'settlement' in property law?In property law, settlement is the stage when the financial and le...
29/09/2026

⚖️ Legal Lingo ⚖️

What is 'settlement' in property law?

In property law, settlement is the stage when the financial and legal requirements of the transaction are completed, and ownership is transferred.

In NSW, settlement generally occurs after contracts have been exchanged, and is the point where the purchaser pays the balance of the price and the relevant documents are lodged electronically.

It's the point where all the preparation leading up to the transaction comes together.

Your solicitor or conveyancer will generally work through the required documents, financial information and adjustments before settlement takes place.

If you are buying or selling, understanding the settlement process can help you know what to expect at each stage.

“Practical legal advice” should mean more than explaining what the law says.For us, it means understanding what you are ...
27/09/2026

“Practical legal advice” should mean more than explaining what the law says.

For us, it means understanding what you are actually trying to achieve, identifying the legal issues that matter and explaining your options in language you can use to make a decision.

Sometimes that means highlighting a risk before you sign, negotiating a better position or explaining an alternate way forward you might not have seen.

Our goal is always to make legal matters easier to understand, and to provide clear, practical advice that helps clients move forward with greater confidence.

For understandable, practical legal advice, get in touch with our team.

📞 (02) 9166 0939
📧 anne@annemcdonaldlawyers

Going into business with someone you trust is a great starting point, but it's not a substitute for a written agreement....
24/09/2026

Going into business with someone you trust is a great starting point, but it's not a substitute for a written agreement.

A partnership involves shared control and management, but disagreements can arise about finances, responsibilities, decision-making and the future direction of the business.

This is where a formal partnership agreement becomes important; one that documents roles within the business, how money is allocated and how important decisions are made.

A formal partnership agreement doesn't guarantee that you and your partner will never disagree, but it can give you a clearer framework for dealing with disagreements when they arise.

We don't believe that legal advice should feel like being handed a dictionary and told to figure it out yourself.At our ...
22/09/2026

We don't believe that legal advice should feel like being handed a dictionary and told to figure it out yourself.

At our firm, we value expertise, understanding and practical support for all clients.

We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the legal position clearly and help you understand your options by giving you personal attention.

When something important is at stake, having someone who understands both the law and your circumstances can make the process much easier to navigate - we can do that for you. Get in touch below.

📞 (02) 9166 0939
📧 anne@annemcdonaldlawyers

Myth: Buying at auction means I can get the contract checked afterwardsFact: Make sure you understand the contract’s con...
20/09/2026

Myth: Buying at auction means I can get the contract checked afterwards

Fact: Make sure you understand the contract’s conditions before bidding

Buying a property at auction is very different from buying by private treaty.

If you’re the successful bidder, you must sign the contract of sale and pay the deposit on the spot. In NSW, there is also no cooling-off period when you buy at auction.

That means the time to review the contract is before you bid, not after the hammer falls. Before auction day, it is worth making sure you understand:

✅ The contract of sale and its special conditions
✅ The deposit required and when it must be paid
✅ Settlement date and any relevant conditions
✅ Any inclusions or exclusions
✅ Any other conditions that could affect your purchase

NSW Government guidance recommends having the contract reviewed by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer before bidding and making sure you are comfortable with its terms.

You've spent time building your business name, logo and brand, but have you taken steps to protect it?A registered trade...
17/09/2026

You've spent time building your business name, logo and brand, but have you taken steps to protect it?

A registered trade mark can protect a business’s unique brand, products or services in Australia, but IP Australia recommends searching existing trademarks and considering whether the mark is available before applying.

A few things to think about when registering a trademark:

❓ Search: Is someone already using or registering something similar?
❓ Ownership: Is the correct person or entity listed as the owner?
❓ Goods and services: What exactly are you seeking protection for?
❓ Timing: Have you considered registration before investing heavily in the brand?

Your business name and your trademark are not necessarily the same thing.

If your brand matters to your business, it is worth considering how you can protect it.

Address

Shop 1 , 745 Darling Street
Rozelle, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61291660939

Website

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