Shareholders Agreements

A shareholders agreement (and related co-ownership agreements) provides a clear framework for how a business or investment is owned, managed and protected when there is more than one owner. Whether ownership is held through a company, unit trust, partnership or another structure, clear agreements help co-owners navigate change, manage uncertainty, and reduce the risk of disputes as circumstances evolve.

We help:

Establish clear expectations between co-owners from the outset
Provide a practical framework for managing growth, change, and unexpected events
Reduce the risk of future disputes through considered planning

Book Consult

4.9

85 Google Reviews

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

First class advice, service, and communication. I have had the pleasure of working with Velocity Legal for many years across a range of challenging matters and they never fail to impress.

Grant F

Their meticulous attention to detail, unwavering professionalism and strategic approach have delivered an outstanding result. Their level of service is nothing short of impressive.

Jack C

From the initial consultation to the final resolution, they provided exceptional
service and achieved an outstanding result for our case.

Wan Li

We are an accounting firm that works closely with Velocity Legal on all our client's legal matters… Every client who works with their team is delighted and impressed by the clear advice, efficient communication, and seamless process.

Selina L

I highly recommend the team at Velocity Legal. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, have an eye for detail and their work ethic is second to none.

Mark P

They provided so much support and guidance through the process and I felt like they genuinely cared about getting the right outcome for me. They obviously know their stuff but were able to explain things in a simple and clear way.

Natalie F

Approachable, honest, professional and transparent. An absolute pleasure to work with.

Bob W

4.9

85 Google Reviews

Book Consult

We Understand What You Are Going Through

Being in business or holding investments with others often involves balancing different priorities, levels of involvement, and long-term goals. Even where relationships start well, uncertainty can arise as circumstances change, the business grows, or personal situations evolve.

You may be thinking about how to protect your investment, maintain working relationships, or plan for what happens if someone wants to step away. These are important considerations that are often easier to address before challenges arise.

We help you work through these issues in a calm and practical way, so you can move forward knowing there is a clear framework in place to support the business and its owners.

Our Services Include

Preparing tailored co-ownership agreements, including shareholder agreements, partnership agreements and unit holder agreements
Defining rights, responsibilities, and decision-making processes between co-owners
Addressing changes in ownership, control, or involvement over time
Putting clear mechanisms in place to manage disagreements and unexpected events
Reviewing and updating existing co-ownership agreements as circumstances evolve

‍

Our Difference

Accountability & Expertise

Every matter we handle comes with full accountability. You’ll deal directly with an expert – every time, no exceptions.

In Your Shoes

Understanding your unique circumstances and goals - so our advice is practical, personal, and never given in a vacuum.

Transparency & Communication

We speak your language. That means plain, clear advice - what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.

50+

Australian Based Team

4,000+

Matters Expertly Handled

10+

Awards & Industry Recognition

Our Process

Book Meeting
Fill in the contact form below or call our office to book an initial consult. You can choose between in-person or video conference.
Get Advice 
You’ll discuss your situation in depth with a senior lawyer. This includes exploring your requirements, goals, and desired outcomes. You’ll walk away from this meeting with a clear understanding of the next steps.
Achieve Outcomes 
Our legal team will work tirelessly to achieve your desired objectives. We work hard, communicate regularly, and pride ourselves on delivering results.

Book a Consult

Take the First Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
Rapid response
Award winning team

Andrew Henshaw

Managing Director

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)

Our Directors

Managing Director

Andrew Henshaw

Director

Demian Walton

Director

Greg Thomas

Director

Jennifer Maher

Director

Jess Hill

Director

Rajan Verma

Director

Seamus Ryan

Director

Shannon Hilton

Why a Shareholder Agreement Matters

A well-drafted shareholder agreement is one of the most important documents a company can have. It can help protect shareholder interests, establish clear guidelines for management, and reduce the risk of disputes down the line.

Yet it's also one of the most commonly overlooked or poorly handled documents in a business's legal framework. Key issues that shareholders frequently fail to address without proper legal guidance include:

Determining how shares are valued in an exit scenario.
Establishing a clear and agreed dividend policy.
Setting out a workable process for resolving disputes between shareholders.

A comprehensive shareholder agreement anticipates how your company may evolve, changes in strategy, ownership, and circumstances, and sets out the rules before those moments arrive. It should also be drafted consistently with the company's constitution and any applicable replaceable rules under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Regardless of whether it covers an equal, majority, or minority shareholding, a well-structured agreement can help maintain clarity and balance across the shareholder relationship. At Velocity Legal, our shareholder agreement lawyers can help ensure your agreement covers the full scope of what matters, including:

Financial controls, borrowing limits, and access to up-to-date financial information.
Rules for issuing new shares, including pre-emptive rights and the terms of any preference shares.
Director powers and restrictions.
Key veto rights for minority shareholders.
Exit strategies, with 'good leaver' and 'bad leaver' terms and share valuation rules.
Drag-along and tag-along rights for business sales.
Procedures for handling shares in cases of death, illness, bankruptcy, or other specified events.
Dispute resolution mechanisms, including buyout options.
Clear dividend policies.
Restrictive covenants.

Getting this right from the outset can help protect your interests and give every shareholder a clear understanding of their rights and obligations, before a dispute ever arises.

Why Clients Choose Velocity Legal for Shareholder Agreements

Focused expertise in commercial law: Our commercial lawyers have extensive experience drafting and advising on shareholder agreements across a wide range of business structures, from early-stage companies to established private businesses with complex shareholding arrangements. We understand both the legal mechanics and the commercial dynamics that make these agreements work in practice.
Practical advice, not just documentation: We don't simply produce a document. We take the time to understand your business, your relationships with co-shareholders, and your long-term goals, so the agreement we draft reflects how your business actually operates and where it's headed.
Transparent costs from day one: We provide a clear cost estimate following your initial consultation and explain the likely scope of work. We also keep you informed if the scope, risks or likely costs change before you commit to the next steps.
Senior lawyer involvement: You work directly with experienced lawyers from the first conversation, with senior lawyer oversight and clear communication throughout the engagement.

Whether you're establishing a new shareholder agreement or reviewing an existing one, we'll help structure it to protect your interests, manage risk, and support the long-term operation of the company. Read Less

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do businesses and investors put co-ownership agreements in place?

Shareholders and other co-ownership agreements are used to create clarity and certainty between owners as a business or investment operates and evolves. Documenting expectations helps keep owners aligned and provides a clear reference point when decisions become more complex.

Are co-ownership agreements only useful if there is a dispute?

No. These agreements are often put in place when relationships are positive, specifically to help prevent misunderstandings later. They are commonly used as a planning tool rather than a response to conflict.

Do all co-owners need to be actively involved?

Not necessarily. Co-ownership agreements can accommodate different levels of involvement and responsibility, and help ensure everyone understands how decisions are made regardless of day-to-day participation.

When should a co-ownership agreement be reviewed or updated?

Co-ownership agreements are often reviewed when there are changes in ownership, growth in the business, or shifts in direction. Periodic reviews help ensure the agreement continues to reflect how the arrangement actually operates.

What happens if there is no co-ownership agreement in place?

Without a co-ownership agreement, the rights and obligations of owners are often governed by default rules, such as a company’s constitution, if there is one, trust documentation, and applicable legislation. These default arrangements may not reflect how the owners intend the business or investment to operate, which can create uncertainty as circumstances change.

Take the First
Step Today

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Book an initial consult with our expert legal team and get clear answers about your situation.

Transparent quotes (no ‘bill shock’)
Rapid response
Award winning team

Book Consult

4.9

85 Google Reviews

Award Winning Law Firm – Top Specialist Firm & Top Boutique Firm (Australasian Lawyer)