Donna Benge

Paul is a principal in the firm’s disputes practice. Paul has particular expertise in: all aspects of industrial relations and workplace law, and work health and safety; privacy, data and cyber/information security and response; risk management advice and the investigation and resolution of corporate and commercial issues and disputes; advice and representation of clients in competition and consumer law matters; and insolvency matters. Paul is a key member of the Cyber Alliance Group &n...

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,...

Brett Cowell is a founding partner and the Chairman of Cowell Clarke and is a Director of the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team. Brett’s passion for science, technology, and innovation has enabled him to support corporate and business clients in growing and protecting their tangible and intellectual property assets. Brett has very broad-based experience, with a particular interest in advanced manufacturing, defence, ICT, life sciences and technology businesses on a national and...

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.

Lisa Christo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Law and Wealth Management / Succession Planning Practice. Lisa, 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 Lisa 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...

Peter is a principal in the firm’s corporate practice. He provides advice on the full range of corporate transactions including capital raisings, contested and friendly takeover bids and schemes of arrangement. Peter has held numerous company secretarial roles for ASX companies and is experienced in managing the daily head office needs of small, medium and large businesses. Peter regularly leads projects involving: gas transport and marketing; acquisitions and divestments; capital marke...

Michael has more than 25 years of experience as a disputes/litigation lawyer. He has an accounting degree and a street-wise approach. Michael specialises in: Recovery of money and assets out of trade, finance or fraudulent transactions, both in Australia and internationally. Corporate and personal insolvency/bankruptcy law, where Michael regularly defends and prosecutes the claims of liquidators and trustees in bankruptcy. Transactional structuring, strategic risk management, and distressed c...

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.

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...