Christopher "Chris" Sweet

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...

James is the leader of our Public M&A and 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, on complex public and private M&A and capital raising transactions. James’ experience includes leading the Kain teams advising: SILK Laser Clinics (ASX:SLA) on its acquisition by Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) (a subsidiary of Wesfarmers (ASX:WES)) by ...

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...

With experience at a top tier and magic circle global law firms in Adelaide, Melbourne and London, Alyce brings a breadth of knowledge to her practice that helps her pre-empt, manage and solve complex issues for her clients. Alyce’s significant cross-border capability gives her a global insight into transactions and an excellent grounding in all aspects of corporate law, but she has a particular interest in private M&A (including in-bound acquisitions), private and public equity cap...

As Managing Director of Kain Lawyers, Michael is responsible for shaping and advancing the firm’s strategic priorities. 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, alternative asset fund establishment and deployment as well as foreign investment and financial services ...

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...

Zoe Dempster is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Zoe practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Zoe Dempster since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Zoe Dempster is held by other lawyers.

Peter Leech is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation. Peter practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Peter Leech since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Peter Leech is held by other lawyers.

Kieren Chester is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Law, Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Kieren practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Kieren Chester since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kieren Chester is held by other lawyers.

Gerry is the co-leader of our M&A (Private) and Equity Capital Markets (Private) practices. He has been advising on capital raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions and capital structuring for over 30 years in key financial markets including Sydney, Hong Kong and London. He is a trusted advisor to our clients. Gerry is an experienced board director and is frequently called upon to provide expert commentary around M&A trends in the mid-market. He particularly enjoys working with ...