Mark Douglas

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...

Shannon Schwarz is an experienced construction lawyer with a practice focused on building, infrastructure, engineering and other major projects. He has acted for principals, developers, head contractors, subcontractors, engineers, consultants, architects, government departments, manufacturers and suppliers. Shannon provides advice to clients in relation to contract preparation, negotiation and management, including procurement processes and risk management strategies. Shannon also regularly a...

Matthew is a taxation and superannuation specialist. He works primarily with accountants, business owners, high net worth individuals and large family groups on commercial transactions, business and asset restructures, estate and succession planning and other issues involving taxation and superannuation.

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...

Meet Vanessa Varga, the heart and soul behind Varga Lawyers. A true luminary in Wills + Estates, Vanessa's name has graced Doyle’s Guide every year since 2018. As a dedicated legal professional, Vanessa’s passion shines through in delivering an authentic legal service with your best interests at heart. Vanessa is well equipped to assist you with all your complex Wills + Estates legal matters. Whether it is the creation of a sophisticated estate plan involving Testamentary Trusts a...

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...

Sam McNeil is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Leasing Law and Real Property Law. Sam, 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 Sam is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rob Comazzetto is the Managing Director of Cowell Clarke and a Director in the firm’s Insolvency and Reconstruction team. Admitted as a lawyer for over 30 years, Rob has worked both in industry and legal practice and continues to sit on the board of several companies. The experience which Rob brings from being involved in commerce is reflected in his practical approach to issues and the often stressful situations faced by clients. He always focuses on finding a resolution that maximises...

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...

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.