James Kearney

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...

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.

Cassie Burfoot is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law and Occupational Health and Safety Law. Cassie, 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 Cassie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael has 30 years' experience in property law, and is considered to be one of the leading property lawyers in Australia. Michael advises across a comprehensive range of property issues and transactions including property sales, acquisitions and developments, due diligence for strategic acquisitions, shopping centre expansions and redevelopments, joint ventures and leasing of all types. He works with clients in the commercial, retail and industrial property sectors. Michael regularly presen...

Andrew is one of a handful of lawyers in South Australia experienced in working with large international banks and major financial institutions. He has worked with major clients in most states and industries and been a part of some of South Australia’s largest financing transactions. For Andrew, every transaction is an opportunity to exceed his clients’ expectations. Thriving in the cut and thrust of commercial banking and finance, Andrew goes the extra yard to complete complex tr...

Tony has more than 25 years' significant experience in commercial transactions, including public and private infrastructure. Tony acts for clients in a range of sectors, including government services, property development, construction and defence. Tony has a particular interest and depth of experience in major projects, joint ventures, and infrastructure and development projects. He has advised clients on many of the major residential and commercial developments in South Australia. Tony is a...

David litigates, manages and resolves disputes for a wide range of Australian and international clients in all Australian jurisdictions. Practising primarily in complex corporate, commercial and regulatory matters, David’s expertise extends to practice in corporations law, intellectual property, competition and consumer law, franchising, agribusiness and education. Inducted as a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators in May 2014, David has been an accredited medi...

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...

Natalie Abela is a director in Cowell Clarke’s Dispute Resolution team, and also leads our Estate Administration and Insurance teams. Natalie practices predominantly in commercial litigation, with specialist expertise across corporate and personal insolvency, business and contract dispute resolution, probate and estate dispute resolution and defamation law. Having had significant experience in complex litigious matters for both national and international clients, Natalie also has a focu...

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.