Matthew Rouse

Matthew established his legal expertise with three of the nation’s largest law firms in their corporate/commercial, intellectual property and franchising practices.

Matthew founded Rouse Lawyers in 2006 with the goal of providing premium commercial legal services to Australian businesses and importantly to demonstrate the value of strategic legal advice. The firms client’s now include many national and international businesses across a range of industries as well many small to medium and family run enterprises.

Matthew wants to service clients that value his input in all major business decisions and transactions, in other words, client’s that view Matthew and his firm as a business partner, not just a lawyer.

Matthew firmly believes that once a client views a law firm and its legal services and tasks as part of their long term business plan, that the firm can demonstrate its real contribution to the bottom line during the business life cycle.

It is the same law, but a different kind of practice.

Matthew leads the corporate and commercial practice group at Rouse Lawyers. Matthew has over 13 years experience in commercial matters, and that experience ranges from start-up companies to billion dollar public company transactions.

At Rouse Lawyers, Matthew now advises a range of small to medium businesses and a growing number of larger corporates looking for an alternate to top tier firms. Matthew’s focus is on delivering commercial outcomes for his clients.

“I’m not here to clock watch. I want to understand my client’s business, provide timely and valuable advice that fits their business plan and be considered a long term trusted adviser. That is great goal in my view. Lawyers often fail to see the big picture with their clients”

Until 2012, Matthew managed the firm’s intellectual property practice.

Matthew has acted in cross-border and multi-jurisdictional intellectual property matters and has spent time with some of Australia’s premier intellectual property and information technology practitioners before starting Rouse Lawyers.

Matthew understands the new economy and the challenges of globalisation for his clients. He still remains a key member of the intellectual property and technology practices of Rouse Lawyers. Matthew regularly presents on the changing world of technology and the law.

Matthew has been involved in franchising for over 10 years both as a lawyer and an industry participant. His deep long term understanding of the industry in Australia and abroad has given him a unique position in advising franchisors and franchisees.

Rouse Lawyers’ franchise team has more than 35 years combined experience in franchising and in assisting the franchise community to leverage from the benefits of networks, systems, marketing and buying power all within the context of the Franchising Code of Conduct and other relevant laws.