Cowell Clarke has announced the appointment of Martin Deutsch as a Director and Head of Property Disputes, based in Sydney.
Martin joins the firm’s Dispute Resolution team alongside Senior Associate, Shayla Chedid.
Martin brings more than 25 years’ experience in commercial disputes, with particular expertise in property disputes, including retail and commercial leasing matters. He has advised major property owners and managers, publicly listed companies and multinational organisations.
The appointment adds further specialist depth to Cowell Clarke’s Dispute Resolution practice and complements its established transactional property, leasing, property funds and broader commercial capabilities. Martin and Shayla will work closely with the firm’s Property team to support clients in managing disputes in the context of their wider property interests and commercial objectives.
Cowell Clarke CEO Robert Comazzetto said the appointment reflected the firm’s deliberate investment in specialist expertise to meet the needs of its clients.
"Martin’s appointment builds on the strength of our existing Dispute Resolution and Property teams, bringing additional senior expertise to the advice and representation we provide.
“A property dispute rarely sits in isolation. It can affect an ongoing lease, a planned transaction or a longstanding business relationship. Bringing our property and disputes expertise together helps us advise clients with those wider interests in mind.
“Our growth is focused on strengthening the support we provide to clients as their needs evolve. We are delighted to welcome Martin and Shayla to Cowell Clarke.”
Martin said joining Cowell Clarke was an opportunity to contribute his experience across property and commercial disputes, while drawing on the firm’s broader expertise.
“Clients need us to have a view - to advise them when to negotiate, when to stand firm and whether the outcome they are pursuing makes commercial sense. Understanding the law is fundamental, but so is understanding a client’s commercial objective and what the client has at stake.
“What attracted me to Cowell Clarke was the opportunity to work alongside an established team of disputes lawyers, with the firm’s Property and other commercial specialists close at hand. That combination allows us to develop a strategy that addresses the dispute without losing sight of the client’s wider business interests.
“Shayla and I are excited to join Cowell Clarke at a significant point in the firm’s growth.”
The appointment follows Cowell Clarke’s recent acquisition of specialist Sydney employment law firm The Workplace and reflects the firm’s continued investment in building senior, specialist capability. These appointments form part of Cowell Clarke’s broader national growth strategy to deepen expertise, strengthen its offering and expand the support available to clients across the firm.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Media Contact:
Bianca Buchhorn
Head of Client Growth and Brand
Cowell Clarke
Ph: 0447 425 167
Email: bbuchhorn@cowellclarke.com.au
About Cowell Clarke
Cowell Clarke is a specialist commercial law firm with offices in Sydney and Adelaide, acting for clients across all industries and sectors in Australia and internationally. With a team of 200 professionals, we provide commercially astute legal advice that helps clients gain a competitive edge in their market.
Our lawyers work closely with clients to understand their business, identify opportunities, and achieve strategic outcomes. What sets us apart is our personal approach, deep commercial insights, and unwavering dedication to client success.
At the heart of our growing firm is our people. We take pride in fostering a positive and inclusive culture where talent thrives.
For more information, visit www.cowellclarke.com.au.