Christopher "Chris" Sweet

John is a Special Counsel in the firm’s Insurance practice and is nationally recognised in the area of dust diseases litigation. John has over 15 years’ experience in insurance and civil litigation. John’s work involves complex legal, scientific and medical issues in the specialised field of toxic torts. He has extensive experience involving asbestos related claims, general insurance matters including property damage, negligence and motor vehicle insurance, public liability,...

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 ...

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.

Bianca is a corporate lawyer, specialising in mergers and acquisitions, foreign investment and corporate governance. Her practice also involves providing general corporate and commercial advice to clients across the lifecycle of their businesses. She has positioned herself as a trusted advisor to many Australian and international clients. Her clients appreciate her pragmatic, strategic approach and ability to dissect complex issues and deliver timely commercial solutions. Over her career, Bia...

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...

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.

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...

Peter Leech is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation. Peter, 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 Peter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Toya Nguyen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation. Toya, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Toya is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Richard Beissel leads Cowell Clarke’s Financial Services and Equity Capital Markets teams, and is a Director of our Commercial Transactions and Corporate teams. Richard advises clients on matters including financial services licensing compliance, fundraising and finance, business structuring and joint ventures, securities regulation, operations and governance, and commercial restructuring. Richard has also acted for a variety of corporations, fund managers, trustees and high net wealth ...