Staying in compliance with business regulations and reporting obligations can be onerous and time consuming, it is however a necessary part of your company’s regulatory duties. Various legislative requirements can make navigating your compliance obligations challenging, with the process often requiring the allocation of significant time and resources.
A failure to comply on time, or at all, opens your business up to the risk of late fees and penalties.
At Coleman Greig Lawyers, we offer a range of company secretarial services, and can provide you and your business with practical and commercially sound advice in an easy to understand, sensible manner. Clients currently making use of our corporate secretarial services include:
- foreign companies with Australian subsidiaries;
- new start-up companies;
- companies engaging in share buy-backs, share allotments and restructuring; and
- charities and not-for-profits.
Our team of experienced commercial lawyers can assist you by:
- preparing notices and minutes of meetings of directors and shareholders/members;
- preparing directors and shareholders resolutions;
- acting as a registered office for local and foreign entities;
- incorporating new companies;
- certifying and filing Deeds of Cross Guarantee;
- preparing and lodging ASIC forms;
- maintaining and updating share registers;
- advising your board generally on corporate governance;
- providing training on directors’ duties and obligations;
- assisting with the reservation and registrations of company and business names;
- assisting with the de-registration of companies;
- updating ASIC on changes relating to your registered/office address, directors, shareholders and officeholders;
- carrying out ASIC searches;
- establishing appropriate structures for your business; and
- attending board meetings on request.
Engaging Coleman Greig’s experienced commercial lawyers to assist your business with these responsibilities allows us to take the stress out of staying on top of your compliance and reporting obligations, allowing you to allocate more of your time towards growing your business.
Coleman Greig are available to service your needs no matter where you are located in NSW. Our network of offices are supported by the latest digital technology, enabling us to work with you in a way that suits you best.
Managing Australia’s complex corporate compliance landscape shouldn’t consume your valuable time or expose your business to unnecessary risk. Every company registered under the Corporations Act 2001 faces mandatory obligations – from maintaining accurate records, to making timely filings with ASIC. Ignoring these duties can lead to financial penalties, damage your company’s credibility, and even create personal liability for directors.
At Coleman Greig Lawyers, we provide expert company secretarial services in Australia to help you manage these essential legal responsibilities with precision and ease. We simplify the complexities, so your business remains fully compliant, well-governed, and protected, thus freeing you up to focus on achieving your strategic goals.
What Are Company Secretarial Services – and Why Do They Matter for Your Business?
In short, company secretarial services cover the crucial administrative tasks that ensure your business meets its legal obligations under the Corporations Act 2001. It’s the essential legal framework that supports your company’s operations and decision-making:
- Avoid Penalties: Stay ahead of ASIC deadlines to prevent late fees and potential fines.
- Maintain Legal Status: Keep your company in good standing, avoiding the risk of forced deregistration.
- Support Good Governance: Ensure key decisions are valid, properly documented, and align with your company’s constitution.
- Protect Directors: Provide a clear record demonstrating that directors have met their duties of care and diligence.
- Enable Smooth Transactions: Ensure accurate, up-to-date records essential for investments, sales, or due diligence.
Leveraging expert company secretary services in Australia is fundamental to operating securely and legally.
Why Choose a Law Firm for Your Company Secretary Services?
While other providers can handle routine compliance tasks, partnering with a law firm for company secretarial services offers a critical layer of legal expertise that protects your business and its leadership, particularly when complexity or risk is involved.
Our legal professionals don’t merely manage the paperwork; we provide strategic oversight and risk mitigation:
- Deep Legal Acumen: We understand the nuances of the Corporations Act and its interaction with other laws, not just the filing requirements.
- Expertise in Director Duties: We provide clear advice and training to help directors understand and fulfil their personal legal obligations, minimising their exposure.
- Handling Complex Matters: We integrate secretarial work seamlessly with advice on restructuring, transactions, and disputes – situations where legal accuracy is paramount.
- Proactive Risk Identification: Our legal eye spots potential compliance issues or governance gaps before they escalate.
- Robust Legal Documentation: We draft minutes, resolutions, and notices with the legal precision necessary for absolute validity.
- Integrated Legal Support: Our secretarial function is backed by Coleman Greig’s full commercial law expertise, offering holistic solutions.
Choosing a law firm for your company secretary consultancy services means securing legal certainty and advanced protection alongside efficient administration.
Our Core Company Secretarial Services
Coleman Greig Lawyers provides precise and reliable company secretarial services, delivered by experienced commercial lawyers. We offer the specific support you need to meet your obligations and maintain excellent corporate health. Here are some key areas where we assist our clients:
Corporate Governance & Compliance
We help ensure your decision-making processes are legally sound and well-documented:
- Drafting notices and minutes for director and shareholder meetings.
- Preparing legally effective director and shareholder resolutions.
- Advising your board on corporate governance best practices.
- Providing training on directors’ legal duties and obligations.
ASIC Compliance & Filings
Staying current with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission is non-negotiable. We manage your ASIC obligations by:
- Preparing and lodging required ASIC forms accurately and on time.
- Updating ASIC on changes to company details (addresses, directors, shares).
- Assisting with formal company de-registration.
- Conducting essential ASIC searches for due diligence.
Entity Establishment & Structuring
Getting your company structure right from inception is key. We provide:
- Expert management of new company incorporation.
- Assistance with reserving and registering company and business names.
- Advice on establishing optimal business structures for your goals.
Company Secretarial Maintenance
We handle the ongoing administrative tasks that keep your company records meticulous and compliant:
- Acting as your registered office address in Australia.
- Maintaining and updating your company’s share registers.
- Keeping your corporate minute book current and complete.
Engaging our team for your company secretarial service needs allows you to offload complex compliance burdens and gain confidence that your company’s legal administration is expertly managed.
Who We Support
Our tailored company secretarial services in Australia are designed to assist a diverse range of businesses and individuals who bear corporate responsibilities. We provide essential support for:
- New Ventures & Start-ups: For a compliant legal launch.
- Established Private Companies: Managing ongoing compliance and reporting.
- Australian Subsidiaries of Foreign Entities: Navigating local legal requirements.
- Businesses Undergoing Change: Assisting with secretarial tasks during restructuring, share transactions, or capital raises.
- Charities & Not-for-Profits: Meeting their specific governance and reporting needs.
- Company Directors & Secretaries: Providing reliable legal assistance and guidance.
- Internal Legal Counsel & CFOs: Acting as a trusted external resource for compliance oversight.
Whatever your size or stage of business, if you have corporate compliance obligations, Coleman Greig Lawyers can provide the expert support you need.
Speak with a Company Secretarial Specialist Today
Don’t let the burden of corporate compliance be a drain on your resources or a source of potential risk. Make sure your business maintains impeccable legal standing and robust corporate governance with the expert assistance of Coleman Greig Lawyers.
Our experienced commercial law team offers the precise company secretary services you need for confidence and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – driving your business forward.
Take the first step towards streamlined compliance and fortified governance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the primary benefit of outsourcing company secretarial services to a law firm?
The main benefit is access to deep legal expertise. A law firm like Coleman Greig understands the Corporations Act nuances, potential liabilities, and how compliance integrates with broader legal strategy, offering proactive risk mitigation and strategic advice alongside administration.
What happens if my company fails to meet its ASIC filing obligations in Australia?
Failure to meet ASIC deadlines results in late fees. Persistent non-compliance can lead to higher penalties, enforcement action by ASIC, and even the company being deregistered. Directors may also face personal consequences in certain situations.
Does a small proprietary company (Pty Ltd) in Australia need company secretarial services?
Yes. While small Pty Ltds don’t always need a formally appointed ‘Company Secretary’, they still have legal duties under the Corporations Act, such as maintaining registers, keeping minutes, and lodging documents with ASIC. These secretarial functions must be performed to remain compliant.
How do Coleman Greig's services help directors fulfil their duties?
Directors have significant legal duties. We support them by ensuring key decisions are properly documented, records are accurate, reporting obligations are met, and by providing direct advice and training on their legal responsibilities under the Corporations Act.
