James Frearson-Lea

Tom is a Principal in the firm’s disputes practice. Tom joined DMAW Lawyers in April 2007 as a senior associate, following previous roles at Clifford Chance in London and Hicksons Lawyers in Sydney where he acted in major litigation matters. Tom specialises in commercial disputes. He has acted in a full spectrum of complex commercial litigation, construction, superannuation, transport and trade matters. Tom's experience includes advising and representing a variety of clients, ranging fr...

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...

Since joining WRP Legal in 2018, Sam has led the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team with expertise honed as special counsel at a major national law firm. Renowned for his skill in insolvency litigation, consumer law, construction, property, and leasing disputes, Sam has represented international corporations, national and local businesses, SMEs, and high-net-worth individuals. A skilled advocate, negotiator, and strategist, he crafts tailored approaches that deliver favourable outcomes, e...

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.

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 ...

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...

Alison Townend is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. Alison, 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 Alison is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a highly skilled commercial lawyer Tim advises clients on efficient and effective business structures that facilitate access to the capital necessary for growth or acquisition. Capital Structuring extends to business restructuring whether solvent or insolvent and to enable generational business succession or exit. Tim provides pragmatic advice that has seen him develop key client relationships across a range of industries including manufacturing, construction, agri-business, technology, to...

Stephen specialises in large and complex commercial disputes, and has extensive experience in managing large disputes which require a team-based approach across different jurisdictions. He liaises closely with his clients to achieve the most favourable and cost efficient outcome possible. Stephen’s litigation practice focuses on general corporate and commercial litigation in respect of a wide variety of contractual matters, including Competition and Consumer Act and Corporations law adv...