Amanda Seaton

James is the leader of our Public M&A and Equity Capital Markets practice. He is a current member of the Australian Takeovers Panel and has extensive experience working in top-tier corporate law firms in Australia and London. James’ experience includes leading the Kain teams advising: SILK Laser Clinics (ASX:SLA) on its proposed acquisition by Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) (a subsidiary of Wesfarmers (ASX:WES)) by way of scheme of arrangement for approximately $180m; Ke...

Matthew Hawke is Special Counsel in Cowell Clarke’s Building, Construction & Infrastructure and Dispute Resolution teams. Matthew has broad experience in construction advice and disputes (including construction contract drafting and advice), compulsory acquisition disputes, and the construction industry security of payment regimes across Australia. When not working in the construction space, Matthew supports clients in negotiating or litigating their general contractual, misrepresen...

Sam Richardson is a Director of Cowell Clarke’s Property team and advises on a variety of matters from purchase and sale of property to complex lease negotiations. Sam has acted for clients in the acquisition and disposal of property, as well as for developers on residential and mixed use developments. Sam is an active member of the Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia where he sits on the community housing committee. Sam’s expertise has b...

Sam McNeil is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Sam, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joe Parisi is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Occupational Health and Safety Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Joe, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joe is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David acts for a wide range of Australian and international clients across complex corporate, commercial and regulatory disputes. His clients span corporations law, intellectual property, competition and consumer law, franchising, agribusiness and education matters. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, an accredited mediator since 1993, and a member of the mediator panels of the Law Society of SA and the Resolution Institute. David litigates, manages and res...

Sam McGrath leads the Employment and Industrial Relations team at Cowell Clarke. Sam’s primary focus is in the area of employment and industrial relations law, where he provides advice and representation to corporate and business employers. With broad-based experience in litigation, Sam brings a unique background and astute insight to his specialisation in employment law. In 2017 Sam was appointed by the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) as principal solicitor assisting...

Tom is a Principal in the firm’s disputes practice. Tom joined DMAW Lawyers in April 2007 as a senior associate, following previous roles at Clifford Chance in London and Hicksons Lawyers in Sydney where he acted in major litigation matters. Tom specialises in commercial disputes. He has acted in a full spectrum of complex commercial litigation, construction, superannuation, transport and trade matters. Tom's experience includes advising and representing a variety of clients, ranging fr...

Tom has expertise across the firm’s practice areas of property development, town planning, infrastructure and projects, pollution licensing and environmental approvals, water and natural resources, land valuation and compensation for compulsory acquisition, liquor licensing, real property and local government and administrative law. Having spent nearly 15 years practicing exclusively in these areas, Tom is widely recognised as a leader in the field. He has advised on a vast spectrum of ...

Megan Jongebloed is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law and Franchise Law. Megan, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.