Michael La Vista

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...

Paul advises private and public companies, high net worth individuals and family groups, charities, not-for-profit organisations and superannuation funds in South Australia and nationally. Paul’s client base spans commercial tax advisory for corporate transactions, private client and estate planning work, and governance and structuring for charitable entities. He is a regular speaker on tax and related commercial matters for professional bodies. Paul advises on the full range of tax mat...

Jason leads our Property, Projects and Infrastructure practice. He is an experienced property and infrastructure lawyer who is known for his ability to negotiate complex projects and transactions. He advises on traditional real estate transactions (industrial, retail, and office), large scale residential and industrial projects, natural resources (including agriculture), and infrastructure (storage, medical, transport, energy, and ports). Jason’s recent experience includes advising: Inh...

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...

Zoe Dempster is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation. Zoe practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Zoe Dempster since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Zoe Dempster is held by other lawyers.

James is the leader of our Public M&A and 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, on complex public and private M&A and capital raising transactions. James’ experience includes leading the Kain teams advising: SILK Laser Clinics (ASX:SLA) on its acquisition by Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API) (a subsidiary of Wesfarmers (ASX:WES)) by ...

Adam Crittenden is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Commercial Law, Leasing Law, Real Property Law and Retail Law. Adam practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Adam Crittenden since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Adam Crittenden is held by other lawyers.

Richard Wood is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Construction / Infrastructure Law, Insurance Law, Legal Malpractice Litigation and Personal Injury Litigation. Richard practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Richard Wood since 2019. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Richard Wood is held by o...

Cameron acts for banks, secured and unsecured lenders, insolvency practitioners, creditors and corporate clients. His practice is centered on acting for and against financial institutions in banking-related litigation, securities enforcement and insolvency proceedings. He has practised across every State and Territory in Australia, in specialist tribunals and alternative dispute resolution processes. Cameron’s practice spans banking and finance litigation, insolvency proceedings and com...

Cassie Burfoot is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Labour and Employment Law and Occupational Health and Safety Law. Cassie practices law in Adelaide, Australia Best Lawyers has recognized Cassie Burfoot since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Cassie Burfoot is held by other lawyers.