Bev Clark

As Managing Director of Kain Lawyers, Michael is responsible for shaping and advancing the firm’s strategic priorities. Prior to his role as Managing Director, Michael held roles as Head of Growth and Head of Corporate. Michael is an experienced corporate lawyer who has advised some of Australia’s largest corporations and investment funds on their most complex and strategically critical transactions. His practice includes advising on mergers and acquisitions, capital raises, alter...

I am 62 years old (or so I’m told). I graduated in April 1986 from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Economics (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). My Honours supervisor was John Bradsen (now, Bradman). Later that same year, I completed my Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies, then recently introduced as a substitute for Articles. I have since completed a Master of Laws (1996) . My dissertation supervisor was Emeritus Professor Andrew Ligertwood and the marker was Kev...

Jason Vernik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Jason, 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 Jason is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kieren Chester is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law, Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Kieren, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kieren is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Symoane Mercurio is a Director within Cowell Clarke’s Dispute Resolution team which incorporates Insolvency and Turnaround. Symoane Mercurio adopts a commercial and pragmatic approach on all matters to ensure she provides clear, practical and strategic advice to enable her client’s to meet their legal and commercial objectives. Her expertise has been recognised by her inclusion in Best Lawyers in Australia since 2021 for Alternative Dispute Resolution and Litigation Law. Symoane b...

Zoe Dempster is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Zoe, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Zoe is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Loretta has primary responsibility for key client relationships with a particular focus on understanding their commercial objectives and ensuring the firm delivers practical, timely and effective outcomes. She has been a Partner of the firm since 1998 and was elected Chair of the Board of Partners in 2007. Loretta has worked closely with Chief Executive Partner Adrian Tembel in the development of the firm over a long period, including its growth from a South Australian firm into one of Austra...

Callum is a principal in the firm’s transactions practice, specialising in real estate, infrastructure and construction . He has experience working with a range of clients including levels of government, developers, major retailers, hotel operators and shopping centres on their real estate and transactional requirements. He has experience in a wide range of property and development work, including the drafting, review and negotiation of complex transactional documentation, site due dili...

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...

Josh acts for innovative businesses and institutions, including technology companies, manufacturers, and franchise networks. He also advises institutional clients and government on complex regulatory matters (including major projects and outsourcing), and technology procurement. Josh advises on all aspects of intellectual property creation, acquisition, commercialisation, protection and enforcement of intellectual property assets. He has particular expertise in trade mark prosecution and enfo...