Leo Lawyers

Leo Lawyers Leo Lawyers is a law firm situated in Sydney and Melbourne. Leo Lawyers is led by its director, Damin Murdock.

We practice in the areas of commercial, corporate, technology and construction law, with a particular focus on capital raising and disputes. From startups to ASX listed companies, we assist with corporate structuring, capital raising, commercialising technology and disputes, including urgent freezing orders and injunctions and complex construction matters.

02/09/2026

Choosing a business name? Check it before you build your brand around it.

Before investing in your website, branding and marketing, it is worth checking whether someone else is already using or has registered the name you have in mind.

In this podcast snippet, our Principal Lawyer explains two useful places to start your search: IP Australia’s trade mark search and the ABN Lookup for existing business names.

A few minutes of research at the beginning could help you identify potential issues before you invest in building the brand.

If you need legal advice about trade marks, brand protection or establishing your business, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051 or [email protected].

Retention money is commonly withheld under construction contracts as security for a contractor's continuing performance....
29/08/2026

Retention money is commonly withheld under construction contracts as security for a contractor's continuing performance. But its legal character is not always straightforward.

Depending on the contract, applicable legislation and whether the conditions for release have been satisfied, retention may be characterised as trust property, performance security, contractual security or ultimately a debt.

For Victorian construction contracts, legislative changes applying since 15 April 2026 also expressly recognise retention money as a form of performance security under the Security of Payment regime.

Understanding how retention is characterised can be particularly important when disputes arise over its release or where a principal is experiencing financial distress.

If you need advice regarding retention money or a construction contract dispute, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051 or [email protected].

27/08/2026

What's one of the hardest lessons to learn as a business owner?

Not putting the right systems and processes in place from the beginning.

In this podcast snippet, our Principal Lawyer discusses why business owners need to keep their finger on the pulse, from monitoring financials and employee performance to understanding where time and resources are actually being spent.

Problems that appear to be employee issues can sometimes point to a bigger problem: a lack of oversight, accountability and internal systems.

As a business grows, having the right processes in place becomes increasingly important.

If you need any legal advice or assistance, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051 or [email protected], or visit our website www.leolawyers.com.au

18/08/2026

Will AI replace lawyers?

AI is already transforming the legal profession. It can help review contracts, draft documents, summarise cases and improve efficiency.

But litigation is different.

In this podcast snippet, our Principal Lawyer explains why successful litigation is about more than identifying legal issues. It requires strategy, judgment, anticipating an opponent's next move, and understanding remedies that may not be immediately obvious.

Technology is a powerful tool, but it doesn't replace legal strategy and experience.

If you're involved in a commercial dispute or need strategic legal advice, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051, email [email protected], or visit www.leolawyers.com.au

16/08/2026

Preparing for a capital raise isn't just about finding investors, it's about making sure your business is investment-ready.

In this podcast snippet, our Principal Lawyer discusses some of the most common legal issues uncovered during investor due diligence, including:
-ownership of intellectual property
- contractor vs employee IP rights
- share structure and ASIC compliance
- gaps in company records and documentation

The good news? Many of these issues can be identified and resolved before approaching investors.

If you're preparing for a capital raise or planning your next stage of growth, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051, email [email protected], or visit www.leolawyers.com.au

Not all builders are legally entitled to carry out residential building work.Hiring a licensed builder doesn't just help...
13/08/2026

Not all builders are legally entitled to carry out residential building work.

Hiring a licensed builder doesn't just help ensure compliance with the law; it can also have a significant impact on your legal rights if something goes wrong.

An unlicensed builder may face serious legal consequences, including restrictions on enforcing the building contract or recovering payment. For homeowners, engaging an unlicensed builder can also lead to costly disputes, insurance issues and limited remedies if defects arise.

Before signing a building contract, take the time to verify your builder's licence. It's a simple step that can help protect your investment and avoid unnecessary legal complications.

If you're involved in a building dispute, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051, email [email protected], or visit www.leolawyers.com.au.

Raising capital? Don't forget pre-emptive rights!Many startups focus on securing investment but overlook one important l...
09/08/2026

Raising capital? Don't forget pre-emptive rights!

Many startups focus on securing investment but overlook one important legal issue: existing shareholders may have the right to participate in a new share issue before anyone else.

These pre-emptive rights are designed to protect shareholders from unexpected dilution and can apply under the **Corporations Act**, a company's constitution or a shareholders' agreement.

Before issuing shares, SAFEs or Convertible Notes, it's essential to understand what your governing documents actually say.

A simple oversight can delay investment and lead to unnecessary shareholder disputes.

If you require advice on shareholder rights, capital raising or company governance, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051, email [email protected], or visit www.leolawyers.com.au.

05/08/2026

Choosing a business name is exciting, but don't let enthusiasm replace due diligence.

Before you invest in branding, a website, social media and marketing, make sure your chosen name isn't already being used by someone else.

In this podcast snippet, our Principal Lawyer explains why a simple search at the beginning can help you avoid costly legal disputes, rebranding expenses and cease-and-desist letters later on.

If you're starting a business and need legal advice on company setup, business structures, or protecting your brand, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051 or [email protected], or visit our website www.leolawyers.com.au.

28/07/2026

Think you can't sue a builder because you never signed a contract with them? Not necessarily.

Under the Home Building Act, later owners of a property may still be able to enforce statutory warranties through what's known as a notional contract.

In this video, Lana, Leo Lawyer's virtual host, explains what a notional contract is and how it protects subsequent purchasers and owners corporations.

If you've discovered building defects after purchasing a property, it's important to understand your legal rights as early as possible.

Remember, this is general information only and not legal advice.

Often, workplace harassment complaints do not arise from a single comment or interaction, but from repetition.A common m...
26/07/2026

Often, workplace harassment complaints do not arise from a single comment or interaction, but from repetition.

A common misconception is that conduct is judged solely by the intention of the person commenting. In reality, workplace harassment is assessed objectively, including whether a reasonable person would have anticipated that the conduct may be unwelcome, offensive, intimidating, or humiliating in the circumstances.

This is particularly important where someone has clearly indicated that the behaviour is unwelcome.

With employers now subject to a positive duty to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate workplace sexual harassment, organisations should ensure that:

- Workplace policies are up to date
- Employees receive regular training
- Complaints are taken seriously and investigated appropriately
- Managers understand their obligations when concerns are raised

The cost of getting it wrong can be significant, with courts awarding substantial damages in appropriate cases.

Creating a respectful workplace is not just good culture. It is a legal obligation.

If you are unsure whether your workplace practices comply with current employment laws, contact Leo Lawyers on (02) 8201 0051 or [email protected], or visit our website www.leolawyers.com.au

Address

Level 15, Grosvenor Place, 225 George Street
Sydney, NSW
2000

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

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