WOLLONGONG LAWYERS
BSM Law Firm in Wollongong
Brander Smith McKnight is a Wollongong law firm with over 50 combined years of legal experience assisting businesses, the local community and individuals. We are the law firm of choice and have expertise in business and commercial law, building and construction law, debt recovery, criminal law and family law. We are conveniently located in Wollongong, New South Wales (NSW) and within walking distance to Wollongong District Courts and Wollongong Railway Station.
Why Clients choose BSM
Brander Smith McKnight has a team of professional, ethical and highly experienced lawyers.
- We have a clear and proven process providing a precise written description of each stage and all costs.
- We pride ourselves on communication and respect for our clients. We listen to you and keep you informed. We guarantee to return your calls and emails within 1 working day keeping you informed every step of the way.
- We are renowned for providing personalised, premium and professional legal advice.
- We vigorously advocate and fight tirelessly for you, guiding you through the complexities of the legal system to achieve outstanding results.
Costs Involved
We provide a 20-minute free consultation that includes an assessment of your legal matter, options and a cost estimate. Prior to any work being undertaken clients receive a written cost agreement. We provide weekly invoices with full transparency and are always available to discuss costs. We provide premium legal services, achieving outstanding results without the cost premium of a big city law firm.
Call us to arrange a free 20 minute no obligation consultation that includes case evaluation and cost estimate.
Legal Services Provided by BSM Wollongong
- Criminal Law
- Traffic Law
- Debt Recovery
- Building and Construction Law
- Family and Divorce Law
- Property Law and Conveyancing
- Wills and Estates Law
- Civil Litigation
- Business and Commercial Law
- Dispute Resolution
Criminal Law
BSM’s team of expert criminal lawyers appear in court every day of the week – including the Local Court, the District Court, the Children’s Court, the Criminal Court of Appeal, the Coroner’s Court and the Bail Court. Our team has represented and advocated for clients in all kinds of criminal cases including drink driving, assault, domestic violence, sexual offences, drug possession, drug importation and property offences.
The BSM Wollongong team is extremely experienced and runs most court matters without the need for a barrister. For serious criminal matters, however, we have a panel of barristers with who we engage. You can be confident that your rights will be fiercely protected and that we will fight tirelessly for you.
- Assault and Affray Offences
- Drug and Alcohol Offences
- Robbery and Larceny Offences
- Domestic Violence Offences
- Sexual Offences
- Firearms Offences
- Property Offences
- Bail Applications and Criminal Appeals
It is important to seek legal advice if you come in contact with the police or are arrested or charged. We are here to support you. You may come in contact with the police in the following ways:
- Police interview
- Search and Detention
- Police Powers of Arrest
- Detention and Bail
Traffic Law
A traffic violation may constitute a criminal offence, which carries penalties like licence suspension and even a criminal record. Our lawyers know that this can seriously impact you, your family and your employment. We consequently take the highest care and diligence in handling every traffic matter, no matter how minor, and we strive to obtain the best outcomes for you.
We regularly appear in the Local Court and defend the charges of:
- Drink or Drug Driving
- Dangerous or Negligent Driving
- Mobile Phone Use while Driving
- Appeal against Loss of Licence
Debt Recovery Law
BSM recovers over 90% of debts without needing court or mediation. We can help collect the money that is owed to you.
Our team has extensive courtroom experience and handles all debt collection cases without the need for a costly barrister. After a judgment has been rendered, our lawyers are skilled at navigating the legal enforcement tools available, including writs, garnishee orders, bankruptcies, and insolvency.
- Letter of Demand
- Statement of Claim
- Litigation
- Garnishee Orders
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency
- Writ for Levy of Property
Building and Construction Law
We resolve over 85% of construction conflicts without the need for costly litigation. Our strategies let our clients stay in charge of the dispute resolution process. We are specialists at writing and reviewing all kinds of construction contracts, from contracts for residential construction to those for major infrastructure projects. We are industry experts with over 50 years of combined experience dealing with residential, commercial, and industrial construction legal advice and building disputes.
We work with builders, contractors, homeowners, engineers, property developers and body corporates. We have substantial experience in each stage of the building process, including pre-contract negotiations, drafting and review of construction contracts, negotiations and review of finance contracts, legal advice regarding construction claims and debt recovery and dispute resolution including adjudications and litigations in courts and tribunals.
Our team has worked on all kinds of projects, from small and medium-sized construction projects to infrastructure projects worth over $1 billion. BSM’s lawyers have provided legal advice, contract drafting, and dispute resolution services for major projects including the Sydney Airport Corporation’s runway extensions, Sydney Ports Corporation’s Enfield Terminal redevelopment, Barclay Mowlem’s (acquired by Laing O’Rourke) rail constructions and civil works and Xstrata Coal’s rail line to a mine in Queensland.
Our Wollongong team has the experience, skills and commitment to provide world-class legal advice at a fraction of the price of large city firms.
- Pre-Contract Negotiations
- Construction Contract Drafting and Review
- General Building and Construction Legal Consulting
- Construction Claims
- Home Building Disputes
- Dispute Resolution
- Debt Recovery
Family and Divorce Law
We understand the end of a relationship is a stressful time with many hard decisions, often involving children, property and domestic violence. You can feel confident that we will help you through the challenging process, advise you, rigorously represent you and make sure no one takes advantage of you. We are proud to settle 95% of our cases without going to court. If required, our family law team will confidently represent you in the Family Court, Children’s Court and the Federal Circuit Court. Our lawyers are also proficient in drafting binding financial agreements and pre-nuptials.
- Divorce and Separation
- Child Support and Parenting Agreements
- Property Settlement
- Wills and Estate Planning
- Family Dispute Resolution and Mediation
- Domestic Violence (ADVO) and (AVO)
- Same-Sex Couples Matters
- De-Facto Relationship Matters
- Binding Financial Agreements and Pre-Nuptials
Call us to arrange a free 20 minute no obligation consultation that includes case evaluation and cost estimate.
Property Law and Conveyancing
At BSM Wollongong, we offer a fixed fee for conveyancing, with all work performed by lawyers rather than conveyancers. As a result, we can handle rare situations where a dispute may occur. We will make sure you stay informed during each stage of what can be a stressful process. Additionally, we can offer advice on easements for construction and forced sale of jointly owned property.
- Conveyancing
- Commercial and Real Estate Leases (buying and selling property)
- Property Disputes
- Strata
- Easements
- Off the Plan
Wills and Estate Law
Compare our costs; we have a competitive fixed fee for wills. Our lawyers listen attentively to your needs and wishes before providing guidance on the most appropriate documents and structures. This guarantees that your assets and interests will be distributed per your preferences after your death and that your legal wishes and affairs are handled as you wish while you are still alive.
BSM lawyers carefully draft your documents, giving you the chance to review them before they are finalised. Well-constructed and tailored legal documents will prevent future disputes and ensure that your wishes are followed. Additionally, our lawyers offer professional legal advice and advocacy for executors and claimants in any estate, including the granting of probate, letters of administration and distribution and contested estates. We are experts in:
- Will Drafting
- Will Disputes
- Probate and Letters of Administration
- Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship
- Estate Planning
- Family Trust and Asset Protection
Civil Litigation
The civil and commercial litigation lawyers at BSM routinely resolve disputes in and out of court.
Although “litigation” refers to the legal resolution of disputes in court, in practice, many of these disputes are resolved outside of court through methods like interlocutory applications and other types of alternative dispute resolution. 90% of the civil litigation cases we handle are resolved without the need for a formal hearing.
Should your matter proceed to trial, BSM lawyers have a wide range of experience in Local, District, Federal and Supreme courts as well as tribunals and arbitrations. Our team of knowledgeable lawyers will tenaciously fight for you.
- Commercial Disputes
- Non-Commercial Disputes
- Civil Litigation
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Litigation
Business and Commercial Law
With a combined experience of more than 50 years and world-renowned clients, our business lawyers are leaders in their field. Our team provides expert legal advice to all different types of businesses, from start-ups and small businesses to large international corporations. We are proud to have developed enduring, committed relationships with our clients based on trust, professionalism, and exceptional commercial results.
BSM offers a variety of responsive, client-centred, and fairly priced services to businesses. We can assist you with:
- Business Startup
- Pre-Contract Negotiations and Business Contract Drafting
- Business Contract Review and Enforcement
- Director’s Duties and Disputes
- Shareholder Agreements and Disputes
- Commercial and Retail Leases
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Dispute Resolution Law
At least 85% of business disputes are settled by our skilled dispute resolution lawyers at BSM without resorting to costly litigation. There are numerous types of disputes that can arise in day-to-day life, business or the workplace. Our legal practice is made up of a varied and specialised team. While there are many ways to resolve disputes, we make a significant effort to identify those that are most appropriate for your specific situation while still being practical, creative and commercially advantageous.
Most cases can be resolved by our lawyers through negotiation. If your matter goes to court, our experts will vigorously advocate for you, saving you the added cost of a barrister.
As reputable Wollongong solicitors, we recognise the difference a skilled lawyer can make in achieving successful dispute resolution. If you require assistance in:
- Negotiation
- Mediation
- Conciliation
- Compensation
- Arbitration
- Adjudication
- Expert Determination
- Litigation
Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with comprehensive legal support. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and discover how our expertise can help you achieve a favourable resolution.
FAQs
What legal services do you offer at BSM Lawyers?
Business Law, Criminal Law, Wills and Estates, Commercial and Civil Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Debt Recovery, Family, Bankruptcy, Property and Conveyancing Law.
Should I get a lawyer for conveyancing before making an offer?
It is advisable to consult a lawyer who does conveyancing and is from a reputable law firm before making an offer on a property. Our specialist lawyer have extensive experience in property development, purchase and sale and can guide you through the legal aspects of the transaction. With five decades of practice, our solicitors have access to invaluable community contacts established through our premier service, providing the necessary legal knowledge and support to ensure a smooth conveyancing process for your property purchase, sale or development.
What is the success rate of mediation in NSW?
Mediation in NSW has a high success rate, especially when facilitated by our skilled legal practice. Our solicitors have wide ranging expertise in dispute resolution, including in family law, building and construction disputes, neighbourhood disputes and property disputes. With decades of experience, we have represented clients in many mediation matters and achieved excellent results. Mediation offers an alternative dispute resolution method that will save time, costs and stress associated with court proceedings.
Who pays for mediation in NSW?
In NSW the cost of mediation is typically shared between the parties involved. However, the specifics may vary depending on the circumstances of the case. It is important to consult with your solicitors to understand the cost of mediation and receive tailored advice. The legal team at Brander Smith McKnight can guide you through the process, ensuring that you are well prepared for the mediation proceedings. We provide a written quote, with no hidden surprises and will keep you informed every step of the way.
Why is BSM Lawyers one of the respected law firms in Wollongong, NSW?
We have over 50 combined years of legal experience and over 5,000 satisfied clients. We have a dedicated team of lawyers who each excel in their respective areas of law and have experience dealing with complex legal matters. We pride ourselves on our ethical and diligent approach to all matters, irrespective of the size, to achieve the best possible outcome for all of our clients. We provide large Sydney firm experience and quality legal services at a fraction of the price.
How does an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) work?
An apprehended violence order (AVO) is a legal order issued by a court to protect individuals from violence, harassment or threats. Brander Smith McKnight’s legal firm in Wollongong has solicitors specialising in family law and criminal law and can provide comprehensive assistance with AVO matters. Our lawyers can guide you through the process of obtaining or defending an AVO, ensuring that your rights and safety are protected. Contact our legal team for expert representation and advice regarding AVO’s in Wollongong.
What experience does BSM Lawyers have?
Our team of lawyers have worked on thousands of cases in their respective areas of law, from small business and individual matters to international construction and infrastructure projects in excess of $1 billion.
Our lawyers have worked for major corporate clients and provided legal advice in areas including competition law, privacy, marketing representations, contract advice and contract drafting. We have also advised on major commercial transactions including international transactions, licencing agreements, distribution agreements, supply agreements and intellectual property protection.
The BSM team has extensive court experience and regularly appears in the Local, District and Supreme courts. We are powerful and effective advocates both in the courts and throughout complex negotiations and dispute resolution out of court.
How can I get in touch with your Wollongong legal team for a consultation?
Our Wollongong legal team can be easily reached through out office. Our friendly team of reliable lawyers are dedicated to providing practical solutions tailored to your personal needs. Whether you need legal assistance in will planning, employment or other life matters, we have the understanding and expertise to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
BSM Lawyers provide a premium, professional and personalised legal service without the cost premium of a city law firm.
Call us to arrange a free 20 minute no obligation consultation that includes case evaluation and cost estimate.
