Disputes
We combine deep procedural knowledge with strategic and commercial insight to find the best solutions to complex disputes.
Disputes →Empirical Legal: an Australian law firm for startups, scale-ups and small businesses
empirical
/ɪmˈpɪrɪkl, ɛmˈpɪrɪkl/adjective- to act based on experience and observation.
We advise startups, scale-ups and small businesses on litigation and disputes, technology law, and corporate advisory.
Our practice areas
Tech accountability
The harms caused by exploitative and unethical tech shouldn’t go unanswered. We explore consumer claims, regulatory complaints and class actions to hold bad actors accountable.
Tech accountability →Restructuring + Turnaround
Crisis and opportunity can be two sides of the same coin. We can help you navigate the path forward.
Restructuring →Corporate advisory
From structuring, to first raises, to sell-side m+a, we’re here for every stage of your journey.
Corporate advisory →Technology + Software
When it comes to technology and law, we grok what most other lawyers only pretend to grok.
Technology →Artificial intelligence
We’re no stochastic parrots. We can help navigate the legal, regulatory and ethical issues emerging at the frontier.
Artificial intelligence →What our clients say
“They understand the realities founders face and consistently give us clear, practical advice that helps us move quickly and confidently.”
“The Empirical team were fantastic to work with throughout a challenging and complex corporate fraud matter. They ultimately helped us recover the full amount we were seeking, and we’d highly recommend Empirical Legal.”
“Their counsel combines commercial acumen with practical clarity — ensuring our decisions are both compliant and strategically sound.”
“Empirical is everything a startup needs: pragmatic advice, predictability, affordability and a service approach that shows they care about the relationship, not just the transaction.”
“One of the best decisions I have made for my business has been partnering with the expert team at Empirical.”
“They gave expert advice that was practical, fast and targeted to my situation.”
“Thanks to their strategic advice and advocacy, we achieved an exceptional outcome.”
We’re investigating harms caused by exploitative technology
May 2026
AI chatbot harms
When AI chatbots are tuned to prioritise engagement over safety, the consequences can be severe. We’re investigating cases of loss and damage due to harmful interactions with AI chatbots.
Share your experience →June 2026
Online gambling harms
Online gambling platforms use design features engineered to keep people gambling longer and spending more. We’re investigating cases of financial loss and other harms resulting from online gambling products and services.
Share your experience →Recent work
July 2026
Empirical sponsors Inflection Points
A longform Australian policy magazine that publishes meticulously researched articles on the reforms that will build a bigger and better Australia.
June 2026
Empirical advises Coras on its acquisition by AtkinsRéalis
We advised Coras, an employee-owned and highly respected consultancy for Australian Defence and national security organisations, on a definitive agreement for its acquisition by AtkinsRéalis Group Inc. (TSX: ATRL).
August 2025
Empirical partners with Cake
Cake is a tool for cap table and equity plan management. Our clients get a discount on their Cake subscription, plus free onboarding for an existing cap table and ESOP.
Our team
David Turner
As the principal lawyer of Empirical Legal, David advises Australian startups, scale-ups and small businesses on commercial disputes, corporate advisory matters, turnaround and restructuring challenges, and technology law issues. David has practised as a solicitor and as a barrister, and is a former Councillor of the Law Society of NSW. He currently sits on the Law Society of NSW’s Privacy and Data Committee.
Nic Cosgrove
Advising clients as diverse as Australia’s largest financial institutions and Australian health- and enviro-tech start-ups, Nic combines legal expertise with strategic business acumen to deliver practical, commercial solutions to complex problems.
Jacob Malby
Combining legal knowledge with technical expertise, Jacob brings a dynamic, problem-solving approach to his work. With a background in law and media, he thrives at the intersection of technology, content creation and strategy.
Sophie Yeh
As a lawyer and Empirical’s resident graphic designer, Sophie pairs her legal background with an eye for design to transform legal advice into simple, beautiful visualisations, so clients can understand and explore their options with clarity and precision.
Taylor Harding
Taylor is a law graduate with a double degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Wollongong. She has a keen interest in legal philosophy and keeps Empirical’s wheels turning by managing accounts, matters and costs.
Articles
All articles →Restructuring + Turnaround
Insolvency Issues Small Businesses Are Facing in 2026
Rising costs, weak growth, higher interest rates and the end of temporary support measures have all contributed to the growing pattern of insolvency across Australian businesses.
Corporate advisory
Top Risks and Protections in Private Credit Lending for Small Businesses
Every year, one in six small and medium enterprises seeks finance to fund or grow their operations. A growing number of these businesses are turning to private credit as a lifeline.
Corporate advisory
Regulatory Trends and Compliance in Private Credit for SMEs
Regulators in Australia and abroad are paying close attention to how private credit is structured, disclosed and accessed, especially when retail investors and small businesses are involved.
Restructuring + Turnaround
Solvent Winding Up: The 7 Step Process and Requirements
When a company can pay all its debts but the owners decide to close it, the process is called a solvent winding up.
Corporate advisory
Types of Private Credit Products for Small Business: What the Stats Say
Although private credit offers faster approvals, flexible structures and alternatives to the major banks, it comes with its costs and risks. Read on to find out.
Corporate advisory
5 Differences Between Borrowing from Big 4 vs Non-Bank Lenders
The gap between the Big 4 and the non-bank lenders has been widening in recent years, especially who they serve.
Get in touch
Get in touch with us by email or phone, or send us a private message here.
| hello@empirical.legal | |
| Phone | (02) 9564 8686 |