Michael La Vista

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.

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...

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

Seva is a partner in the firm's commercial and property team. Seva provides commercial advice to clients in a number of industry sectors in relation to the sale and purchase of business assets and shares and related due diligence, commercial contracts such as services, supply and manufacturing agreements and establishing business structures. A significant aspect of Seva’s practice is in franchising, licensing and distribution. In particular, acting for major franchisors in the establish...

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...

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...

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 ...

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

Gerry is the Co-Head of our M&A (Private) and Equity Capital Markets (Private) practices. He h as been advising on capital raising transactions, mergers and acquisitions and capital structuring for over 30 years in key financial markets including Sydney, Hong Kong and London. He is a trusted advisor to our clients. Gerry’s experience includes leading the Kain teams advising: sportsmed on the sale of their hospital to Burnside War Memorial Hospital; SILK Laser Clinics (ASX:SLA) on it...