Seva Surmei

Jamie Watts is the leader of Cowell Clarke’s Building, Construction and Infrastructure team, bringing nearly 30 years of experience to his market leading guidance and advice. With expertise ranging from the drafting of contracts to the settlement of disputes, Jamie’s understanding of the whole construction cycle allows him to identify and minimise risk from procurement to completion. Although the avoidance of future claims and disputes is Jamie’s primary goal, he has signifi...

Josh acts for innovative businesses and institutions, including technology companies, manufacturers, and franchise networks. He also advises institutional clients and government on complex regulatory matters (including major projects and outsourcing), and technology procurement. Josh advises on all aspects of intellectual property creation, acquisition, commercialisation, protection and enforcement of intellectual property assets. He has particular expertise in trade mark prosecution and enfo...

Gerry is the co-leader of our M&A (Private) and Equity Capital Markets (Private) practices. He has 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 is an experienced board director and is frequently called upon to provide expert commentary around M&A trends in the mid-market. He particularly enjoys working with ...

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...

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.

Brian is an experienced Corporate and Transactions lawyer who has advised high profile clients on public and private M&A transactions, equity raisings, corporate restructures, debt financing, major projects and complex and strategically critical transactions. Brian’s strong legal skills are complemented by his pragmatic and commercial approach. He has honed his commercial acumen whilst on secondment as legal counsel to several ASX listed companies and the Scott Group of Companies. B...

Annabel acts for a wide range of local and international clients including listed companies, private equity funds, government-owned corporations, SMEs and not-for-profits. Her experience working with clients in the software/IT, engineering, transport, health, agriculture, tourism and food and beverage sectors has given her a strong understanding of these industries. Annabel advises on acquisitions and divestments, placements, rights issues, partnerships, joint ventures and corporate restructu...

David acts for developers, institutional landlords, tenants and corporate occupiers on property transactions across commercial, industrial and mixed-use sectors. He maintains long-standing client relationships across a broad portfolio of matters. David advises on property acquisitions and disposals, development structuring, commercial and industrial leasing, due diligence and conveyancing. His practice covers the full transaction lifecycle from site acquisition and development through leasing...

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...

Sarah is an experienced Transactions lawyer who is valued by clients for her attention to detail, commercial acumen and dedication to achieving the best commercial outcome for them. Sarah’s transactional experience includes: Advising Best Doors and Reliance Doors on their business sale to Swiss listed company Dormakaba; Advising sportsmed on the sale of their hospital to Burnside War Memorial Hospital; Leading the due diligence team in relation to Kelsian Group’s (ASX:KLS) $698m (...