Michael La Vista

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...

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...

Daniel is a principal in the firm’s transactions practice. He acts on mergers & acquisitions, corporate and commercial matters for a broad range of business clients, ranging from SMEs to some of the largest businesses in South Australia. He works across a variety of industry sectors, including financial services, property, energy and resources and manufacturing. Daniel regularly leads projects involving: share, asset, business and property sales and purchases; corporate structuring ...

Amanda Brady is an Associate Director in Cowell Clarke’s Dispute Resolution team and has been practising in this area since 2010. Amanda has many years’ experience in the resolution of general commercial and contractual disputes, building and construction disputes, and several insolvency, private client and estate disputes. Amanda has been involved in both small and large scale litigious matters. Her clients include individuals, small businesses, large commercial and construction ...

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...

Matthew Fuss is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation. Matthew, 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 Matthew 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.

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

Bronwyn is a commercial lawyer with specialist expertise in the areas of intellectual property, privacy, regulatory and competition and consumer law. Her practice traverses public and private industry sectors including automotive, higher education, health, manufacturing, medical devices, energy and resources, government, financial services and ecommerce, from start ups through to multinational groups. Bronwyn’s intellectual property practice includes advising on all matters of ownership...

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...