Business & Commercial Lawyer in Brisbane
When experience matters.
Joe Kafrouni, Accredited Specialist in Business Law. Buying, selling and owning a Queensland business. Personally delivered.
About
Joe
I’m Joe Kafrouni, a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Business Law with more than 30 years’ experience acting for Queensland business owners.
Most of my work is with established, owner-managed businesses when ownership changes: buying or selling a business, bringing in or buying out a co-owner, handing the business on, or sorting things out when owners fall out. I also look after the contracts and structures those businesses run on.
As a sole practitioner, I work directly with my clients: no gatekeepers, no hand-offs. When you engage me, you deal with me, from the first call to completion.
Joe Kafrouni, Business Law AccS(Bus)
Accredited Specialist in Business Law, Queensland Law Society
What accreditation meansIf you think I may be able to help, I invite you to book an initial consultation with me.
What I Do
I act for owners of established Queensland businesses, mostly when ownership changes, and I look after the everyday commercial work their businesses run on.
Selling a Business
Getting the business ready before buyers look, then protecting the price and terms through to completion.
Buying a Business
Testing what you’re buying before you’re committed, with a contract that puts the risk where it belongs.
Co-Owners & Succession
Bringing in a co-owner, buying one out, or handing the business on to family or staff.
When Owners Fall Out
Working out where you stand and the quickest sound way to an outcome, by negotiation wherever possible.
Contracts & Structures
Terms of trade, commercial contracts, shareholders agreements, and company and trust structures.
How I Work
Before I start, I give you a written estimate: a fixed fee where the work can be clearly defined, or a fee for each stage where it can’t. I work alongside your accountant and your other advisers, not instead of them, and I act only for you. I’ll tell you what I’d do in your position, and if I can’t help, I’ll say so and point you to someone who can.
Who I Work With
I work with owners of established, owner-managed Queensland businesses, many of them family businesses. I have experience with manufacturing and marine businesses, engineering, technical and IT firms, professional practices, health practices, business services, hospitality and retail. Over my career, I’ve acted on hundreds of business sales, purchases, owner exits and disputes.
How I Charge
Where the work can be clearly defined, I charge a fixed fee, or a fixed fee for each stage of the matter or transaction. Otherwise, my hourly rate is $825 including GST ($750 plus GST).
FAQs
No. Most of my work is with owners when ownership changes, but I also look after the contracts, terms of trade and structures their businesses run on, from one-off reviews to ongoing advice.
Commercial, with guardrails. I’ll tell you what’s possible, what’s risky, and what I’d do in your shoes (based on what you've told me). If the risk is acceptable for the upside, good; if it’s not, I’ll help you redesign the deal.
I have experience in manufacturing, engineering and IT, construction, professional practices, health and veterinary practices, real estate and rent rolls, hospitality and retail, and more. My focus is on ownership, control, contracts and transactions rather than the technical regulation of one industry.
What People Say
Blog
Here are some things I’ve written that may interest you:
The Legal Side of Your 1 July 2027 Valuation
Bringing In a New Co-Owner: What to Agree Before They Buy In
Personal Guarantees: What You Sign for Your Company
Book an initial consultation
An initial consultation is the best way for us to find out whether, and how, I can help. It suits business owners and directors facing a decision that matters. You get my considered view of your situation, not just a first impression.
The fee is a fixed $1,650 (including GST). It covers a phone consultation of up to two hours, plus up to one hour of my time to consider the material you send me beforehand and to prepare my written note afterwards. Here is how it works:
1. When you book, you tell me briefly what the matter is about and who else is involved, so I can carry out a conflict check and confirm I’m free to act. If I can’t act for you, I’ll refund your fee in full.
2. I tell you what information and documents I’d like to see, and I consider them before we speak.
3. We talk it through by phone. I give you my initial advice, the options I see and what I’d do in your shoes.
4. Afterwards, I send you a short written note of my advice and the next steps I recommend.
If I can help further, I’ll explain how. If I can’t, I’ll say so. You are under no obligation to engage me further. If your matter needs more than this, I’ll send you a proposal setting out how I can help and an estimate of my fees. No further work starts until you accept it.
I keep only a limited number of consultation times. If none suits you, or you’d like to check anything before booking, email info@klaw.com.au and I’ll do my best to accommodate you.