Cowell Clarke builds environment and property law expertise

Commercial law firm Cowell Clarke has further strengthened its environment and property law capabilities with two key senior appointments.

Kathryn Walker joins as Partner to head up the firm’s Environment, Planning and Sustainability team effective August 8, 2016.

Over an 18 year career Kathryn has acted for all industry sectors, employers, developers, contractors, consultants and builders, specialising in environmental and planning law, land and groundwater contamination, environmental due diligence and construction law.

Kathryn holds key positions with several industry associations in South Australia including the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s State Executive, Planning Committee and EnviroDevelopment Board (SA), the Property Council of Australia Planning and Urban Design Committee (SA) and the Housing Industry Association Environment and Planning Committee (SA).

Cowell Clarke’s Property team has also been strengthened with the appointment of Special Counsel Sam Richardson who provides specialist legal advice to a range of clients, from small family businesses and individual property developers to large corporate entities.

Sam’s experience extends across matters including property acquisition and disposals, leasing advice and disputes, due diligence, property developments, stamp duty and taxation. Sam also is a Committee Member of the Property Council.

Chairman of Partners at Cowell Clarke, Mr Brett Cowell, said the senior appointments were in line with the firm’s growth strategy.

“Kathryn comes to Cowell Clarke with an outstanding reputation within her field and will be leading our established and strong environment, planning and sustainability team,” Mr Cowell said.

“Sam is a highly accomplished property lawyer with broad experience in providing specialist advice to a diverse range of clients in all aspects of property related matters.

“Property and environment and planning law are key focus areas at Cowell Clarke and these appointments build further on our capabilities in providing clients with the best available legal advice.”

Other promotions at the firm include that of lawyers Leah Cowell and Phil White who have been appointed to Associate positions.