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Our philosophy is simple, we treat others the way we would like to be treated ourselves and we uphold these values in everything we do.

Crea Legal is a commercial legal practice focused on the franchising and property aspects of business.

 

With the emphasis on delivering outstanding results and exceptional value, we offer a wide range of legal services to the industry with legal solutions tailored to meet the needs of clients large and small.

 

We are a modern legal practice and we structure our organisation around you, not you around us.

 

 Whether you are already established or just starting out, we are here to provide timely, accurate and relevant advice at realistic prices to get you where you want to be tomorrow.

 

CALL TODAY FOR AN OBLIGATION FREE CONSULTATION

Franchising

Leasing

Automotive

PROPERTY

 

Whether you are buying or selling a residential or commercial property, our legal team in Melbourne will handle all of your conveyancing needs. We are fast and efficient with attention to detail and provide professional service from qualified and trusted lawyers.

 

Residential Sale & Purchase

We are experienced in all aspects of residential conveyancing including:

Houses, Units, Apartments, Flats, Vacant Land, Residential Subdivisions, Off the Plan.

 

Residential Purchasing:

We can provide you with pre-purchase advice and allow you to make your big decision with confidence.

We will advise you on your rights and obligations in advance and will support you throughout the process.

We will liaise with your financier and your mortgage broker as necessary to make life easy for you.

We will conduct a range of searches to identify any issues with title and determine what is owing on the property with the authorities.

We will attend settlement on your behalf, finalise all outstanding items after settlement and report to you with a statement clearly showing how the funds were disbursed.

 

Residential Selling:

We will prepare your vendor’s statement and contract of sale in a timely and accurate manner.

We will liaise with your real estate agent to facilitate their selling process with the documentation they need.

We will advise you on your rights and obligations in advance and will support you throughout the process.

We ensure that the rates, taxes and other relevant items are adjusted correctly as at the date of settlement.

We will attend settlement on your behalf and distribute the settlement proceeds in accordance with your instructions.

 

International clients:

We specifically cater for foreign investor clients and permanent residents from overseas and have tailored a package catering for your needs. We have one low fixed fee (inclusive of all disbursements and GST) providing you with certainty at very economical prices.

The Chinese market is a focus for us and we have a Chinese born, Mandarin speaking, Australian qualified lawyer who is familiar with your requirements and will communicate with you in your preferred manner.

 

FRANCHISOR SERVICES

 

 

Add a new dimension to your business with a constant legal presence for less than you might think.

 

Looking for a fresh approach to your legal work?

 

We make it our business to understand the issues and challenges you are confronted with and the unique characteristics of your business and your industry.

 

Australia's franchising environment is highly regulated and increasingly litigious. Successful franchisors have developed a strong legal awareness enabling them to operate their franchise system in a decisive and confident manner. They avoid complex and expensive problems later by getting the answers they need up front from a trusted legal adviser who knows their business.

 

We are not bound by the rigid structure of a traditional law firm because we know that doesn’t work. You need flexibility and responsiveness with the emphasis on results. We are here to cater for the needs of a franchised business. Talk to us today. We will design a commercial legal solution that really works for you.

 

 

Areas of expertise:

 

  • Franchising code compliance
  • Franchise agreements and disclosure documents
  • Franchisee occupancy agreements
  • Franchise policy and procedure (operations manuals)
  • Franchise transfers – buying and selling
  • Intellectual property
  • Dispute resolution with Franchisees or Landlords
  • Debt recovery
  • Competition and Consumer law compliance
  • Supplier agreements
  • Commercial and retail leasing including disputes and negotiations with landlords

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



FRANCHISEE SERVICES

 

Secure your business and your future with the correct legal framework and the right advice along the way.

 

Owning and operating a franchised business is a complex undertaking. As you navigate your way through an unfamiliar environment, the directions you take today could determine your success and impact on your livelihood tomorrow. Don’t do it alone! A good franchising lawyer is critical in the early stages and throughout the term to make sure you get the most from your franchise system.

 

Our role is to ensure that you understand every aspect of your franchise system, what is required of you and what you are entitled to expect from your franchisor.

 

We operate at the forefront of developments in franchising law and within the established regulatory framework of the industry to provide the knowledge base and technical know-how to enhance the success of your business.

 

We guarantee we can provide the most cost effective, comprehensive and relevant franchisee legal advice available.

 

 

Areas of expertise:

  • Purchase and sale of franchised businesses.
  • Reviewing and advising on franchise agreements and disclosure documents prior to signing.
  • Assistance with due diligence investigations on the franchise network and suitability analysis, is the opportunity right for you?
  • Franchising code explained in plain English. We answer the question of, what is means for your business?
  • Supplier agreements and trading terms.
  • Multi -site ownership and growth strategy.
  • Commercial and retail leasing including disputes and negotiations with landlords.
  • Debtors recovery.
  • Dispute resolution with your franchisor and/or landlord.

 

 

Talk to us today for an obligation free consultation and let us propose a comprehensive legal solution that works for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FRANCHISEE

LESSEE

New Site selection and acquisition

 

The lease for your premises is your most valuable business asset if you get it right and a potential liability if you don’t. A ‘do it yourself’ approach has potentially dire consequences so don’t risk it! Why engage a leasing agent to represent you in negotiations and then go separately to a lawyer to conduct the legal work? By handling the entire process we can deliver a more comprehensive and cost effective result and you deal with one company. We will take you through the maze of site selection, represent you in negotiations with the landlord and complete all the legal work in connection with the lease.

Whilst hungry for a better deal, we are polite and courteous in all our dealings which allows us to establish and maintain good relationships with all major retail managers. This means we get access to the best new site opportunities and achieve superior results in negotiations.

There is often some flexibility in how a deal is structured and knowing where and when to take advantage of this can help achieve a win-win solution for both parties. Steven Crea has worked for major retail landlords and knows first-hand how they think and where they can give a bit of ground. You will benefit from this inside industry experience and well established connections.

The legal framework established by the retail tenancies legislation in each state provides some protection to retail tenants but you need to know your rights. Landlords are represented by experienced sales professionals and legal teams who do this all day every day. Naturally they are focused on delivering the best possible commercial outcome to the land owner. If inappropriate terms are agreed at negotiation stage it can be difficult or impossible for any lawyer to rectify this later so we stress that an acute awareness of the legal position is vitally important at the time of lease negotiations.

 

Place your business in the safe hands of an experienced legal professional from the outset.

 

 

Lease Renewals

 

This is the time when your business is most vulnerable. Unless an option is agreed (very rare in shopping centres) there is no legal protection or right to renew the lease on certain terms notwithstanding the fact that you may have established significant goodwill and customer brand awareness in your current location. It is open to Landlords to seek a higher rent and as they are trying to increase the value of their asset, generally they will (especially with the benefit of your sales information). The ensuring commercial negotiation may ultimately determine the future of the business.

 

Knowledge of market rent levels is necessary to determine how hard you can push without compromising your business.

 

 

Disputes

 

Due to the imbalance of bargaining power in favour of the landlords combined with tenants’ lack of awareness of their rights, sometimes landlords achieve a commercial advantage that would be avoided with the sharp eye of a good lawyer. Speak to us if you have an issue with your landlord and we will advise you on whether it is actionable and if so represent you through the process.

 

There are very cost effective avenues of alternative dispute resolution available to tenants such as mediation so resolving an issue with your landlord using legal means is not as daunting as you may think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you own commercial property and seek the best possible rental return with a minimum of fuss, your legal position must be well protected and robust.

 

We offer a complete and comprehensive leasing service by providing relevant and sensible advice to achieve your commercial objective.

 

 

Take advantage of our extensive experience in:

 

  • Negotiating lease terms
  • Interpretation of lease terms
  • Advice on retail leases legislation
  • Drafting retail or other commercial leases
  • Drafting licences, subleases or other occupancy rights
  • Transfer (assignment) of lease
  • Variation of lease
  • Surrender of lease
  • Dispute resolution

 

 

 

 

LESSOR

AUTOMOTIVE

 

At Crea Legal we're passionate about all things automotive and have developed an expertise in franchising specifically for the motor vehicle industry. Having represented major brand manufacturers/importers and worked extensively on franchised dealer networks, we are at the forefront of legal practice in this dynamic area.

 

To properly prepare your business for the future and ensure the best possible commercial outcome you need to know where you stand and represent your business with confidence.

 

Familiarity with the legal issues and a commercially focused approach means we have all legal aspects of establishing and operating franchised motor vehicle dealerships covered including:

 

 

  • New appointments,
  • Dealer agreements,
  • Disclosure documents,
  • Property Leases,
  • Occupancy rights and other site control instruments,
  • Terminations and non-renewals,
  • Transfers due to buy/sell,
  • Target setting methodology,
  • PMA (territory) changes,
  • New vehicle sales opportunity analysis,
  • Competitive franchises,
  • Corporate structure of dealers including companies and trusts,
  • Dispute resolution under the code (Mediation),
  • Litigation,
  • Advertising compliance,
  • Product claims under the consumer laws.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don't go to a law firm looking for a someone who knows about cars, go to a car guy who knows the law!

Steven Crea BCom, LLB - Principal

 

Steven has extensive legal experience in franchising and commercial property with a particular focus on legal matters pertaining to automotive franchising . He is highly regarded for his unwavering level of energy and engagement in his clients’ businesses. His commercially focused approach ensures the best possible outcome for clients and a high degree of professional satisfaction. Steven’s overriding philosophy is to surpass clients’ expectations and to build strong and sustainable relationships; the result of which is a high demand for his services from his loyal and appreciative client base.

 

Recent Assignments

 

Steven has been a key advisor to Nissan Motor Company in Australia with responsibility for the legal risk and compliance of over 190 Nissan dealerships.

 

Steven was instrumental in the establishment of the ‘Specsavers’ franchise and joint venture retail model which launched in the Australian and New Zealand market in 2009. Steven managed legal aspects of a 250 store rollout which involved opening 100 stores in 100 days, an unprecedented growth rate in Australian retail speciality store history.

 

Experience

 

Steven has also held legal counsel positions for a number of prominent Australian retailers and landlords; Steven is admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the High Court of England and Wales and has extensive practical experience in commercial and property work in that jurisdiction where he practiced from 2001 to 2004

Steven Crea BCom, LLB

  • Automotive
  • Optical
  • Chemist
  • Telecommunications
  • Fast food, Bakery, Restaurant and Café
  • Delivery and Courier
  • Early childhood learning and child care
  • Mortgage broking
  • Entertainment
  • Fitness and personal training
  • Hair and Beauty
  • Sporting goods
  • Property development
  • Hospitality, Leisure and resorts
  • Residential and commercial construction
  • Bulky goods retail including furniture
  • Service businesses
  • Commercial contracts and leasing
  • Franchising documentation and Code compliance
  • Dispute resolution
  • Purchase and sale of business and shares
  • Partnership, Trusts and shareholder and joint venture agreements
  • Company secretarial work
  • Legal review of retail marketing materials
  • Quality assurance
  • Risk management
  • Intellectual property
  • Industry Experience

Shijia Yin BA, JD - Lawyer

 

Shijia has extensive experience in commercial and residential property with a particular focus on high volume residential transactional work and off the plan project development throughout Australia. She is well regarded for her level of professionalism and commitment to her clients. She is practical and results orientated with a strong work ethic. Shijia is in demand from her referral partners and a trusted advisor to the Chinese community in Australia. Shijia has proven that strong and productive relationships with clients is the key to a successful practice.

 

Shijia has represented national and international Real Estate Agents in selling landmark apartment buildings across Australia since 2008. She has also been a key advisor to a large group of foreign investors with FIRB compliance and tax implications when acquiring properties in Australia.

 

Shijia is admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. She is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese and a national accredited translator

Damian Woods Consultant

 

Damian founded and operated as Managing Director OneNetwork Pty. Ltd. from 1999 till its ASX reverse listing for $4.4 million into Mobi Limited in 2007.

 

He has also served as executive and non executive director on the ASX listed Hostech Limited board.

 

His experience covers many facets of corporate management and legal expertise in contracts and agreements at both executive and operational level as well as having extensive experience in business marketing, information technology, finance, human resources and day to day operations.

 

At Crea Legal, Damian is assigned to special projects which involve a focused and highly commercial approach to find solutions to management problems. Damian is available for management consulting services and is always ready for a challenge.

 

 

Kevin Lu

 

Kevin is an integral part of the property conveyancing team at Crea Legal.

 

He has a proven track record in conveyancing of all types and applies the systems and processes he has developed from years of experience to service our property clients.

 

Kevin is on hand to help our local or foreign investor clients either acquire or sell property in Australia. Kevin will guide you smoothly through the conveyancing process advising you of all your rights and responsibilities and ensuring your position is well protected.

 

Kevin has also established an extensive network in the finance and agency field which enables him to provide our clients with the best approach available in different circumstances.

 

Fluent in both English and Mandarin.

Bachelor and Advanced Diploma in Engineering.

Expert Chinese language teaching program.

 

 

WHAT OUR CLIENTS THINK OF US

 

 

Steven Crea has been known to us for more than ten years. He has provided general legal services to us over that time, and we have particularly appreciated his expertise and advice in relation to matters of leasing and debt collection. We have found him to be always very pleasant and efficient to deal with and his advice to be most useful and reliable.

 

Volkwerke  Pty Ltd

 

 

We have worked with Steve and his team for some time now. Most recently he has helped us with a range of franchise and network membership documentation. He knows his stuff, is a pleasure to deal with and we recommend others talk to Steve when needing legal assistance.

 

Dermox Clinics  Pty Ltd

 

 

We started working with Crea Legal as we were looking for a firm with the necessary knowledge and experience of franchising and other related areas, but would also be able to deliver a more personalised and approachable service. Steve Crea from Crea legal has met our expectations, We find Steve able to quickly grasp and understand what we require, responds very quickly to requests and keep things direct and simple so we can focus on what we are good at. The quality of his work and turn around times are excellent. We would have no hesitation in recommending Crea Legal for effective and service orientated legal expertise.

 

CEO/  Founder Resicert  Paul Antonelli

 

 

Steven Crea handled all the contractual work for me when I purchased my Snap Printing franchise. I found Steven to be extremely thorough, patient and highly professional throughout the whole process, as well as being very prompt in his responses to my many queries. I would highly recommend Crea Legal for any legal representation requirements when purchasing a small business.

 

Chris Ryan – Snap Printing East Richmond

 

 

Having worked with Crea Legal in a franchise retail context in several businesses, I have found their legal support to be excellent in my business development and management roles. They work hard to apply the law in a very commercial and focused manner giving clients the answers they need to achieve business success.

 

Jeff Antcliff

 

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Crea Legal Pty Ltd

ABN 88 606 703 931

 

Suite 4.11, 737 Burwood Road,

Hawthorn East, Victoria 3123

 

 

Phone: 03 9005 6761

Facsimile: 03 9882 2981

Email: enquiries@crealegal.com.au

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