Geoff Bartels

Geoff Bartels is a distinguished lawyer with over four decades of experience in corporate and structural advisory roles, ranging from sole proprietorships to multinational corporations. Beginning his career as a principal solicitor with the NSW Corporate Affairs Commission, Geoff played a critical role in regulating public fund-raising activities, including Stock Exchange and Futures Exchange activities, and was instrumental in drafting the First Futures Markets Act. His involvement in this sector extended to advising on more than 200 investment schemes and handling significant white-collar prosecutions and special investigations. Transitioning into private practice for nearly 30 years, Geoff has broadened his expertise across diverse clienteles, as detailed on the firm's Services page. Beyond legal advisory, his extensive experience as a company director includes notable roles in public companies, banking, and the aged care sector. His entrepreneurial ventures are exemplified by founding a multi-media company in partnership with the Seven Network and successfully turning around a national service company for sale to a listed entity. Geoff's directorships have spanned industries such as coffee plantations, satellite technology, merchant banking, ski resorts, nutraceuticals, and construction. Most recently, he served as a director and Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee for one of Australia's largest aged care not-for-profits, overseeing substantial facilities and personnel. His academic qualifications, including an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and a Professional Certificate in Arbitration from the University of Adelaide, underpin his legal acumen. Geoff's profound understanding of business and corporate law, combined with his hands-on commercial experience with start-ups and large corporations, offers a distinctive expertise to his clients, unmatched by many firms outside Australia’s largest law practices. Geoff's approach ensures that engaging with Bartels Business Lawyers is a beneficial experience, informed by a deep well of knowledge and a comprehensive legal perspective.