Hello, I'm Melissa Bush.
With almost 30 years as a practising lawyer, I've made it my mission to help business owners like you avoid the costly legal pitfalls I've seen too many businesses fall into.
A common theme for these business owners is that they didn't know what their legal rights and obligations were from the very start. Rather, they dove in head first, perhaps registered a business name, and started trading.
While my legal experience spans decades, my passion lies in helping business owners navigate the unique legal challenges of running a business. Through Business Know How and the Café Kickstart course, I translate complex legal requirements into practical, actionable steps for your business success
My aim with Business Know How is to give business owners the knowledge and also the know how to minimise their legal risks.
Business Know How offers you:
- 12 comprehensive legal modules designed specifically for startup business owners
- Live Facebook sessions for real time guidance
- An exclusive community of like-minded business owners
- Regular updates on crucial legal changes affecting your business
Those just starting out can opt to join our Mini Course for startups, "Getting off the ground", or the Cafe Kickstart course (great for startup cafes) - each of them contain modules specific to those initial stages of the business life cycle.
My Story
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce/Laws (with Honours) from the University of Wollongong in 1994 whilst working as a paralegal for a sole practitioner. I then started as an investigator in the Canberra head office of the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (formerly the Trade Practices Commission), before being admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1996.
Following admission, I joined a local firm and practised in the areas of commercial litigation (Local Court, District Court, Family Court, CTTT), personal injury and property law (conveyancing, leasing, mortgages). I then expanded my experience even more, working as a Senior Associate in large multinational firms in the CBD, in property law, commercial litigation (District, Supreme, Federal Courts), franchising, insurance law, intellectual property and trade practices (Parts IV, V and X).
I founded my own firm, Shire Legal, in 2003, and created Business Know How in 2022. In the past 19 years, I have focused my efforts on a combination of business, property and estates law. I have since completed a Masters of Law (specialising in business law), as well as gained accreditation as an Advisor with Family Business Association. I also graduated from the Australian Institute of Company Directors course in 2024.
When I'm not helping business owners protect their dreams, you'll find me trail running in the Royal National Park, hosting my book club, performing musical theatre, or walking my dog out to Boat Harbour.
Drop me a line!
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