Australian property, commercial and estate lawyers
Welcome to Eastern Bridge
Eastern Bridge was established in 2009 to provide property and commercial law services to clients on both sides of the Murray River. Although our practice has evolved since then, our approach has remained the same: delivering no-nonsense legal advice to help our clients take their next right step with confidence, even in complex situations.
Today, we advise small to medium-sized businesses and agencies, families and individuals across Australia. Our work includes commercial law, property law, conveyancing, commercial leasing, mortgage services, business sales and acquisitions, estate planning, estate administration and dispute resolution. These areas of law have something in common: they involve the things our clients have worked hard for.
Our team has earned a reputation for being approachable and for its ethical standards. We take pride in our relationships with our clients and in delivering the care that our responsibility demands.
Whether you are dealing with real estate, running a business, governing an organisation, planning for the future or protecting your interests, we will take the time to understand your situation and work with you on those next right steps.
Our Services
Conveyancing
Buying or selling property involves much more than getting to settlement. Eastern Bridge assists with the purchase, sale and transfer of residential, commercial and rural property, helping clients identify legal issues early and make informed decisions throughout the transaction. Our lawyers and conveyancers provide practical advice, clear communication and responsive service from contract through settlement, with ongoing support when legal issues arise.
Property Law
Buying, selling and leasing real estate are only some aspects of property law. Questions about easements, restrictive covenants, caveats, subdivisions, land tax and planning controls can arise at any stage of property ownership. Eastern Bridge provides practical advice on the legal issues that affect real estate, helping landowners understand their rights, protect their interests and make informed decisions.
Commercial Leasing
A good commercial lease should protect your interests without creating unnecessary complexity. Eastern Bridge acts for landlords and tenants in relation to commercial, retail and industrial leases, providing practical advice on new leases, negotiations, rent reviews, assignments, renewals and disputes. Our approach is commercially sensible, focused on protecting our clients while supporting successful long-term commercial relationships.
Mortgage Settlements and Security
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, a loan and a mortgage are different legal instruments. A loan records the financial arrangement between the parties, while a mortgage provides security for the lender. Eastern Bridge's dedicated mortgage services team assists private lenders, non-bank lenders, businesses and individuals with the preparation, registration, discharge and ongoing administration of mortgage security, providing practical advice and efficient service throughout the process.
Business Sales & Acquisitions
Buying or selling a business involves much more than agreeing on a purchase price. The structure of the transaction, the assets being transferred, existing contracts, employees, leases, intellectual property, taxation and financing arrangements can all affect the outcome. Eastern Bridge advises buyers and sellers throughout the acquisition process, helping identify legal issues early, manage risk, negotiate commercially sensible agreements and manage completion.
Commercial Law & Contracts
Law touches almost every aspect of business. Questions involving contracts, corporate governance, legislation and regulation arise as businesses grow and evolve. Eastern Bridge provides practical legal advice across these areas, helping clients deal with those issues before they become problems.
Estate Planning, Wills & Powers of Attorney
Estate planning involves much more than preparing a will. It is about putting arrangements in place that will continue to work when you are no longer able to make decisions yourself. Eastern Bridge advises on wills, powers of attorney, testamentary trusts and related estate planning matters, helping clients protect their families, preserve their assets and minimise uncertainty for those left behind.
Estate Administration
Administering a deceased estate involves more than obtaining probate and distributing assets. Executors and administrators are often required to deal with legal, financial and taxation issues at a time when they would rather be focused elsewhere. Eastern Bridge provides experienced guidance throughout the administration process, helping clients meet their responsibilities with confidence while keeping the process as straightforward and uncomplicated as possible.
Dispute Resolution
Some disputes should be resolved quickly through negotiation. Others require mediation. Sometimes court or arbitral proceedings are necessary and deserved. Our role is to help clients understand those options and choose the course that best serves their interests.
Insights From Us
If you are currently residing in or may in the future enter residential aged care in Victoria, new legislation that commenced on 1 July 2025 means if you were to lose decision making capacity, your enduring powers of attorney appointments may not be enough.
Clarification (and expansion?) of the retailing test
Property Law
Apr 30, 2025
In November 2024 the County Court issued a ruling on a question of whether a premises used by a warehousing and logistics business was subject to the Retail Leases Act.
Section 28 - notices of last date to exercise option
Property Law
Sep 2, 2024
Since 1 October 2020, landlords under retail leases have been required to give their tenants three months’ notice of the tenant’s last date to exercise their option.
The Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) (“Act”) governs, with some exceptions not the subject of this article, leases of premises in Victoria where the premises are to be used under the terms of the lease “wholly or predominantly for the sale or hire of goods by retail or the retail provision of services”.
Farewelling (some) Stamp Duty - Commercial and Industrial Property Tax
Property Law
Mar 25, 2024
On 20 March 2024 the Victorian Government formally introduced its plans for a move away from stamp duty for commercial and industrial properties and put a bill into Parliament to give effect to the transition.
With the recent rate increases it is worth reflecting on the potential impacts on a tenant of a failure to obtain mortgagee consent to a lease.
Can we help you?
We don't practise in every area of law. Tell us a little about your situation and we'll let you know whether we are the right firm to help. If not, we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.