Ashley Watson

Paul is a principal in the firm’s disputes practice. Paul has particular expertise in: all aspects of industrial relations and workplace law, and work health and safety; privacy, data and cyber/information security and response; risk management advice and the investigation and resolution of corporate and commercial issues and disputes; advice and representation of clients in competition and consumer law matters; and insolvency matters. Paul is a key member of the Cyber Alliance Group &n...

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.

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...

Sam Richardson is a Director of Cowell Clarke’s Property team and advises on a variety of matters from purchase and sale of property to complex lease negotiations. Sam has acted for clients in the acquisition and disposal of property, as well as for developers on residential and mixed use developments. Sam is an active member of the Property Council of Australia and the Urban Development Institute of Australia where he sits on the community housing committee. Sam’s expertise has b...

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.

Michael has more than 25 years of experience as a disputes/litigation lawyer. He has an accounting degree and a street-wise approach. Michael specialises in: Recovery of money and assets out of trade, finance or fraudulent transactions, both in Australia and internationally. Corporate and personal insolvency/bankruptcy law, where Michael regularly defends and prosecutes the claims of liquidators and trustees in bankruptcy. Transactional structuring, strategic risk management, and distressed c...

Since joining WRP Legal in 2018, Sam has led the Litigation and Dispute Resolution team with expertise honed as special counsel at a major national law firm. Renowned for his skill in insolvency litigation, consumer law, construction, property, and leasing disputes, Sam has represented international corporations, national and local businesses, SMEs, and high-net-worth individuals. A skilled advocate, negotiator, and strategist, he crafts tailored approaches that deliver favourable outcomes, e...

Cassie Burfoot is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Labour and Employment Law and Occupational Health and Safety Law. Cassie, 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 Cassie is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Tony has more than 25 years' significant experience in commercial transactions, including public and private infrastructure. Tony acts for clients in a range of sectors, including government services, property development, construction and defence. Tony has a particular interest and depth of experience in major projects, joint ventures, and infrastructure and development projects. He has advised clients on many of the major residential and commercial developments in South Australia. Tony is a...