We are a Top Corporate & Commercial Law Firm in Singapore.
Looking to start your own business but lack legal guidance?
Considering many new partnerships and commercial relationships but lost as to what contracts and terms to agree to?
Our lawyers have a plethora of experience guiding start-ups in navigating their first dive into the legal landscape. We understand that agreements and contracts can be entirely alien to you, scary and intimidating. We are here to guide you and stand by your side through your business’ growth. Here are just a sample of the types of agreements we would be able to assist you with:
Why Every Business Needs a Corporate Lawyer
In Singapore’s fast-paced business environment, companies—whether startups, SMEs, or multinational investors—need solid legal foundations to thrive. A corporate lawyer is not just for handling disputes; they help prevent legal troubles, structure business agreements, and ensure compliance with corporate laws.
At NMLAW, we specialize in corporate and commercial law, offering strategic legal solutions tailored to your business needs. This guide will explore why you need a commercial law lawyer, what legal challenges businesses face, and how professional legal services can help.
Partnership
Joint Venture
Shareholder
Franchise
Distributorship
Supply
Privacy
Loan
Guarantee
Sale and Purchase
License
Employment
Nominee Director
Settlement
Service
“Why sign an agreement? I trust my business partner(s) entirely.”
We have encountered numerous cases where, what once started as a trusted arrangement between business partners, have gone sour. A party comes to us wishing to claim against their former partners and contractors only to tell us that everything they had agreed upon was oral. Unfortunately for them, where an agreement is only oral, they end up having a tough time proving their case in Court.
A written agreement not only gets rid of such uncertainties and ensures that parties know what their obligations and rights.
The money they could have spent drafting a clear agreement to avoid a dispute later on then becomes spent on litigation is very expensive and unpredictable. Litigation is often times much more expensive than drafting a clear contract. Having a written agreement not only gets rid of such uncertainties and ensures that parties know what their obligations and rights are, but the process of drafting very often helps parties think of areas they have never thought of before.
For instance, in a shareholders’ agreement at a start-up’s very early stages, parties very often only think about how much their investors want to invest in exchange for what returns. They may not have thought about what rights the investor might or might not have with respect to management of the business of the company, or what may happen in the event new investors come on board and who should have a say on which new investors to bring in.
What happens to the original investor’s shares in that event? These and many more relevant but rarely discussed issues are what we can assist start-ups with.
Our Start-up Package
We offer affordable packages for start-ups, including free initial consultations and follow-up consultations. A package consisting of a simple service agreement with one of your contractors together with consultations for other aspects of your business can start from as low as $800, with optional add-on services and agreements you may request of us. We will be glad to be your advisors and counsel throughout your journey in your start-up and to be available for advice when you need it.
How a Corporate Lawyer Helps Different Business Owners
Every business faces unique legal challenges, from startups navigating incorporation to SMEs handling contracts and investors securing compliance. Here’s how our expertise supports different business owners.
1. Startup Founders: Building a Strong Legal Foundation
Meet James Tan, a Tech Startup Founder. James recently launched his fintech startup but is unsure how to structure equity, protect his intellectual property, or comply with regulations.
Legal Challenges Startups Face:
- Incorporating the business correctly (Pte Ltd, LLP, etc.)
- Drafting founder agreements to prevent future disputes
- Protecting intellectual property (trademarks, patents, copyrights)
- Ensuring compliance with financial and data protection laws
How NMLAW Helps:
- Company Incorporation & Shareholder Agreements** – Secure business ownership structures
- IP Protection – Registering trademarks and safeguarding intellectual property
- Compliance & Regulatory Guidance – Avoid costly legal mistakes
2. SME Owners: Managing Growth and Business Risks
Meet Priya Sharma, an E-commerce Business Owner. Priya’s online fashion store is expanding, and she needs help with supplier contracts, employment law, and resolving disputes.
Legal Challenges SMEs Face:
- Drafting and negotiating supplier & distributor agreements
- Managing employment contracts and HR legal compliance
- Handling contract disputes and litigation risks
- Expanding into new markets with cross-border regulations
How NMLAW Helps:
- Drafting Contracts & Agreements – Strengthen business relationships
- Employment Law Compliance – Protecting employer-employee rights
- Dispute Resolution & Litigation Support – Minimizing financial and reputational risks
3. Foreign Investors: Setting Up & Protecting Investments
Meet David Müller, a Foreign Investor Looking to Enter Singapore’s Market. David wants to establish a real estate investment company but is unfamiliar with Singapore’s legal landscape.
Legal Challenges Foreign Investors Face:
- Understanding business incorporation and foreign ownership rules
- Navigating taxation and financial compliance
- Protecting investments through shareholder agreements and due diligence
- Minimizing risks in joint ventures and mergers
How NMLAW Helps:
- Business Setup & Investment Structuring – Ensuring a smooth entry into Singapore
- Legal Due Diligence & Risk Assessment – Avoiding hidden pitfalls in business deals
- Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Governance – Securely managing business growth
