Experienced corporate lawyer Megan Jongebloed has been appointed as the new Chair of commercial law firm Cowell Clarke.
“Since I first stepped through the door at Cowell Clarke as a young Associate, I have always felt encouraged and supported in my professional development,” Ms Jongebloed said.
“It’s a privilege to now be in a position to take a leading role in shaping the future direction of the firm and support our exceptionally talented team.”
As Chair, Megan will work closely with her fellow Directors and Managing Director Rob Comazzetto in steering the firm’s national sustainable growth strategy.
Cowell Clarke is currently expanding across South Australia and New South Wales, growing its digital offering alongside its traditional full commercial law services.
With offices in Adelaide and Sydney, the firm provides legal services, commercial advice, legal digital solutions, and support to clients in business and industry across Australia and internationally. These include digital & technology, aged care, property and infrastructure, agribusiness, financial services, retail & manufacturing, not-for-profits and international trade.
From May 1, Megan will take over as Chair from Brett Cowell, who has served in the role since 2002. Brett will remain as a Director, focussing on his client advisory work and growing the firm’s digital & technology and defence sectors.
In addition to her duties as Chair, Megan will continue as a Director in the corporate and commercial division at Cowell Clarke where she provides legal services to private and listed companies as well as start-ups, not-for-profit organisations and clients in aged care and retirement living.
A well respected lawyer with more than 20-years’ industry experience, Megan practised in commercial litigation and transactions before joining Cowell Clarke as an Associate in 2008. She became a Partner in 2013 and later a Director of the firm.
In 2019 she was appointed as the Staff Director with responsibility for driving the firm’s culture and career progression opportunities for its 120 lawyers and administration staff.
“The people who make up Cowell Clarke and our culture will continue to be a key focus for me as Chair,” Megan said.
“I want to ensure our diverse team and future leaders have a clear career path and feel supported on that journey just as I have been.
“When our people succeed, our clients succeed and our firm succeeds.
“I am honoured to be given this opportunity and for the trust placed in me by my fellow Directors. I have very big shoes to fill and am very grateful for the support and mentorship of Brett Cowell. I am excited about what lies ahead.”
Mr Cowell, a founding Partner of the firm, said Megan brought a strong “people and culture focus” to the role.
“Megan has shown exceptional leadership ever since she joined our firm,” Brett said.
“As well as possessing outstanding legal skills, business acumen and the trust of her clients, she has a deep personal regard for her colleagues.
“She is someone who always leads by example and the ideal person to take over the reins as Chair.”
Media contact:
Bianca Buchhorn, Head of Business Development and Marketing.
Ph: 0447 425 167 or email: bbuchhorn@cowellclarke.com.au