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Cohen Legal
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Cohen Legal is proudly based in Townsville and led by one of the region’s most respected litigators, Samantha Cohen.
With deep expertise in commercial law, litigation, and construction law, we combine technical skill with a rare level of client care and communication. We deliver clear, honest legal advice for real-world problems.
Whether you're a business owner navigating contracts, facing a dispute, or need strategic guidance to protect your interests we’re here to help.
We strive for excellence in everything we do
At Cohen Legal
We Work With Clients, Not With Cases
Engaging with a lawyer is often one of the most stressful tasks in a person’s life. Our focus is to create an experience where clients feel supported, informed, and empowered every step of the way.
Our core values are deeply embedded in how we work:
- Client-centred care: We view legal matters through the eyes of the client. That means transparency on costs, proactive communication, and involving clients in decisions - not just delivering outcomes to them.
- Accessibility and empathy: As regional litigators, we know the pressures people face. We don’t add to that. Instead, we provide clarity, calm, and practical advice in stressful situations.
- Service excellence: With written service protocols, we ensure every client knows what’s happening with their matter every step of the journey.
We don’t just represent clients. We walk with them.
We are based on the corner of Denham Street and Sturt Street in Townsville
Latest News
Legal Advice from the team at Cohen Legal
Are Building Codes Law?
One of the biggest misconceptions I come across is that the QBCC can step in and fix a building dispute the way a court would.
It can’t.
The QBCC checks whether work complies with the building codes – not whether it matches what you actually agreed to in your contract.
I’ve seen this catch people out more than once, including with my own veranda. In my latest article, I explain where the code ends, where your contract takes over, and a landmark case that still decides how far a builder has to go to fix a defect.
Carer’s & Compassionate Leave Rights Australia | Cohen Legal
I recently did some research after someone came to me in a situation that should never have happened. They needed to go — a parent was seriously ill, the call had come in, and time mattered. Their employer told them they weren’t allowed to leave.
Wrong.
Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), most Australian employees have clear legal rights to take carer’s leave and compassionate leave. These aren’t perks an employer can choose to offer on a good day and withdraw on a bad one. They are minimum legal entitlements — and no workplace policy, contract, or manager’s preference can take them away.
Full-time employees accrue 10 days of paid personal/carer’s leave per year. Every employee, including casuals, is entitled to 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave per occasion and 2 days of compassionate leave when an immediate family member develops a life-threatening illness or passes away.
Employers who refuse genuine requests can face penalties of up to $54,000. Sam Cohen, Principal Lawyer at Cohen Legal, breaks down exactly what the law says — and what to do if your rights have been denied.
Legal Advice for Business Owners | Cohen Legal Townsville
There’s a moment most advisers recognise – a client raises something that sits just outside the financial brief.
A contract they’re about to sign.
A business partnership that’s starting to feel uncertain.
A Will they know isn’t dealing with the business properly.
In my latest article, I’ve covered the specific legal triggers that tend to surface during financial reviews, what they usually indicate, and why the timing of legal advice changes the outcome more than most clients expect.
One line from the article that I think captures it well: you have to know that stuff exists to know to ask for it.
It’s a short read and a practical one.
Sam Cohen
Principal Lawyer, Cohen Legal
Serving Townsville & North Queensland
What Our Clients Say
We proudly work with clients from across Townsville, Mt Isa, Charters Towers, Ingham, the Burdekin and regional North Queensland - including small-to-medium enterprises, builders, consultants, not-for-profits, and private clients.
Our knowledge, experience, compassion, and straightforward approach can help you get a result sooner so that you can move forward quicker.
Whether you're seeking advice on a contract, considering litigation, or want to prevent legal issues before they arise - we’re ready to help.
Why These Businesses Choose Cohen Legal
Carina Rose
Cumming
Devour It
Dyer Bros
Ebony Empire
Fortisem
Hodkinsons
J&D Group
Mineforce
QPD
RECS
REMY
Scanner Man
Speech Ease
The Zoo
Watkins Group
We are Townsville-Based and Regionally Respected.
We’ve built our reputation on trust, relationships, and results. Serving North Queensland since 2015 including Townsville, Mt Isa, Ingham, Charters Towers, the Burdekin and Port Douglas.
Commercial Experience That Sets Us Apart.
Decades of hands-on business and construction industry experience means we offer more than just legal advice - we offer practical solutions.
Clear Communication. Always.
We keep you informed at every stage. No jargon. No surprises.
Transparent Costs. No Hidden Fees.
From day one, you’ll know exactly what to expect and where your investment is going.
Supportive, Human-Centred Legal Practice.
Whether you’re buying a business, managing a dispute, or just don’t know where to turn - we walk with you, not ahead of you.
Over 25 Years.
Cohen Legal has been supporting our community for over 25 years.