Kirstine Ashworth

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...

With over a decade of experience specialising in commercial litigation and dispute resolution; Lauren’s clients rely on her to deliver commercial certainty in Transaction Disputes. Lauren’s recent experience includes: Advising a manufacturing client in an arbitration relating to a commercial construction contract dispute; Advising SILK Laser Clinics (ASX:SLA) on its proposed acquisition by Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) (a subsidiary of Wesfarmers (ASX:WES)) by way of ...

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...

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.

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.

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.

Melissa Eaton is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law, Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. Melissa, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew Hawke is Special Counsel in Cowell Clarke’s Building, Construction & Infrastructure and Dispute Resolution teams. Matthew has broad experience in construction advice and disputes (including construction contract drafting and advice), compulsory acquisition disputes, and the construction industry security of payment regimes across Australia. When not working in the construction space, Matthew supports clients in negotiating or litigating their general contractual, misrepresen...

Digby Luckhurst-Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation. Digby, who practices law in Adelaide, Australia, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Digby is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...