James Frearson-Lea
About James Frearson-Lea
James Frearson-Lea is a lawyer based in Adelaide, AU and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in Australia™ since 2014. James Frearson-Lea is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Adelaide, Australia
- Commercial Law
- Construction / Infrastructure Law
- Leasing Law
- Real Property Law
- Water Law
Current Firm: JFL + Smith Lawyers
Location: Adelaide, AU
Nearby Lawyers
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 ...
Constantinos Andonis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Constantinos, 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 Constantinos is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Tim Donlan is the founding partner of the boutique South Australian private client law firm Donlan Lawyers. Donlan Lawyers has offices in Adelaide and in Victor Harbor in South Australia. Tim is recognised in Best Lawyers for his practice in Trusts and Estates and Wealth Management and Succession Planning. Tim practices primarily in the areas of wills and estate planning. He specialises in complex estate planning including trust establishment and succession, wills incorporating testamentary t...
Chris practises in a diverse range of property law, with a strong focus on major commercial acquisitions and leasing as well as renewable energy and infrastructure projects. Chris regularly acts for vendors, purchasers, landlords, tenants and developers. He has expertise in the preparation of numerous property documents with varying levels of complexity including contracts for sale, leases, easements, encumbrances, land divisions and caveats. He also regularly undertakes property related due ...
Cameron is a Partner in Thomson Geer's Litigation and Dispute Resolution team. He has a broad litigation practice with an emphasis in acting for and against banks, secured and unsecured lenders and insolvency practitioners. Cameron has practised in each State and Territory in Australia and in various specialist tribunals. He has also been involved in mediations and other forms of alternative dispute resolution options.
Sarah is an experienced Transactions lawyer who is valued by clients for her attention to detail, commercial acumen and dedication to achieving the best commercial outcome for them. Sarah’s transactional experience includes; Advising Best Doors and Reliance Doors on their business sale to Swiss listed company Dormakaba; Advising sportsmed on the sale of their hospital to Burnside War Memorial Hospital; Leading the due diligence team in relation to Kelsian Group’s (ASX:KLS) $698m (...
Richard Wood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Construction / Infrastructure Law, Insurance Law, Legal Malpractice Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. Richard, 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 Richard is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
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...
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...
Samantha Hocking is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Samantha, 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 Samantha is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Build Your Legal Practice with Effective Online Networking
by Jamilla Tabbara
How thoughtful online networking supports sustained legal practice growth.
Blogging for Law Firms: Turning Content into Client Connections
by Jamilla Tabbara
How law firms use blogs to earn trust and win clients.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer