Elias has been practising in the area of property, conveyancing and commercial law for more than 24 years, both in commercial and residential matters, and is well attuned to the South Australian real estate market.

His main areas of focus are property acquisitions and disposals (residential and commercial), large and small scale property developments specialising in apartment projects (including mixed use), strata and community title advice, property due diligences, leasing transactions and advice, hotel agreements, business sales and purchases, property related banking and finance transactions and general property advice.

Elias often assists his clients and the property industry through Director and/or Advisory Board appointments, as well as presenting seminars on relevant legal topics very often taking on a practical and direct approach. He has received multiple awards and industry recognition as being a leading Property Lawyer in Adelaide, South Australia and nationally.

Elias graduated from The University of Adelaide holding a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) and a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting major). He currently holds the following memberships and affiliations:

Committee member of the Property Law Committee of the Law Society of South Australia
Honorary member of University of Adelaide Golden Key International Honour Society
Alumni member of the University of Adelaide
Golden member of the Law Society of South Australia

Prior to the founding of Commercial and Legal, Elias worked at some of the most reputable law firms in South Australia and internationally, including Minter Ellison, Finlaysons and Norton Rose (Dubai). Some of the clients Elias has worked with-in Australia and overseas include:

• The University of Adelaide
• The University of South Australia
• Flinders University
• Greaton
• Medallion Homes
• Samaras Group
• Urban Construct
• Renewal SA
• South Australian Housing Trust
• Colonial First State Investments Ltd
• National Australia Bank
• Woolworths Ltd
• The Shell Company of Australia Ltd
• Hutchison 3G Australia
• Vodafone
• Limitless World (Dubai)
• Dubai Investment Group
• Mubadala Development (Abu Dhabi)
• BNP Paribas Real Estate

Mark is a Partner at Commercial & Legal, working in our property & projects team.

Since 2002 he has advised clients on all aspects of property development in industries including education, community and sporting infrastructure, water delivery, apartment construction and sales, commercial development and leasing.

His work has taken him all around Australia and the UK (during a three year stint working at a global firm based in London), so he brings a wealth of experience and practical understanding to his practice and our team.

He works with his clients to understand their businesses and their commercial objectives so that the advice he provides is right for their circumstances – he has found that one size rarely fits all, and clients appreciate being able to get advice from Mark which meets their needs without having to go back and forth again and again.

Mark also advises clients on all aspects of their commercial activities, bringing experience gained through sitting on industry and not for profit boards, as well as working in a family business and acting as trusted advisor for many clients over the years. He knows that although lawyers are often seen as the ones that find problems, real value for his clients is gained from the fact that he finds the solutions as well.

Clients expect technical expertise and Mark certainly delivers on that, as shown by his inclusion in Doyles Guide as a leading property lawyer, but Mark prides himself on being able to translate complex concepts into language which clients can understand, accompanied by actionable recommendations to help them to achieve their objectives.

Graham is Special Counsel at Commercial & Legal currently practises primarily in the areas of real estate law, business sales and purchases and corporate and commercial law.

Graham has completed a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education at the University of New England and the University of South Australia. He was the Admitted in 2010, and shortly after, joined the team at Commercial & Legal.

Graham has experience in drafting and negotiating a wide range of commercial documents in the areas of commercial leasing, sale and purchase of land contracts, company and shareholder documentation, general commercial agreements and trusts.

Graham is a member of the Law Society of South Australia and the University of New England Golden Key International Honour Society.

Mark Gowans is a highly respected commercial litigation and insolvency lawyer and a Partner at Commercial & Legal. With over a decade of experience as a partner in mid-to-large commercial and full-service law firms in South Australia, Mark has built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal outcomes tailored to his clients’ needs.

Since 2003, Mark has successfully represented a wide array of clients, ranging from individuals to major corporations, in complex litigation and insolvency matters. His expertise lies in navigating intricate legal landscapes with precision and achieving practical, commercially driven solutions. This commitment to excellence has earned him consistent recognition in prestigious legal rankings, including Best Lawyers Australia and the Doyle’s Guide to the Australian Legal Profession every year since 2015.

Mark’s approach is defined by strategic thinking and analytical expertise. He excels at breaking down multifaceted legal issues to craft comprehensive, results-oriented strategies that align with his clients’ business objectives. His ability to balance the complexities of legal frameworks with real-world commercial priorities makes him a trusted advisor in his field.

Beyond his technical expertise, Mark is known for his empathetic and client-focused approach. He fosters strong, enduring relationships by providing clear communication, transparency, and unwavering support throughout the legal process. His clients value his integrity and dedication, knowing he will go above and beyond to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Passionate about the law and committed to justice, Mark Gowans combines legal acumen with a deep understanding of his clients’ challenges, making him a sought-after expert in commercial litigation and insolvency matters.

Adrian is one of South Australia’s most experienced real estate, property and development lawyers, and is proud to advise many major national and international organisations.

For more than 40 years Adrian has focused his practice on property development, and on the acquisition and sale of significant commercial, industrial and retail developments.

His clients know Adrian as a proactive and commercial partner who adds value at every opportunity. Adrian takes pride in providing strategic and accurate legal advice and commercial solutions with unwavering enthusiasm and loyalty.

Erin Freebairn is a Partner at Commercial and Legal, specialising in residential, retail, and commercial property, with particular expertise in development and construction. Admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of South Australia in September 2015, Erin holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice from Flinders University.

As a key member of the firm’s Property team, Erin has built strong relationships across South Australia’s property sector, working closely with property owners, developers, and real estate agents. Her experience encompasses the sale and acquisition of diverse assets, including CBD office buildings, commercial facilities, and residential properties. Erin regularly acts for developers on off-the-plan residential and commercial projects.

Erin is committed to advancing the property industry and has participated in the Property Council of Australia’s 500 Women in Property program. She maintains a keen interest in both large-scale and boutique property developments.

In recognition of her expertise, Erin was awarded Doyle’s South Australian Property & Real Estate Law Rising Star in 2024, highlighting her as a future leader in the field. She has also been a finalist for Senior Associate of the Year at the Lawyer’s Weekly Women in Law Awards (2022 & 2024) and for Special Counsel of the Year at the Lawyer’s Weekly Australian Law Awards (2025).

Erin is known for her effective communication and her commitment to delivering strategic, practical solutions for her clients.

Alistair has a Bachelor of Laws with Honours Degree from the University of Adelaide and was admitted to practise as a solicitor and barrister in 1999. He has spent the majority of his career in in house legal roles with private corporations.

He has extensive experience in the formulation of general corporate strategy and as well as expertise in the drafting and negotiation of infrastructure, front end construction, joint ventures, framework, construction (including design and construct, construct only, turn key and hybrid arrangements), alliance contracting and project management agreements.

Over his 20+ year career Alistair has gained an acknowledged expertise in several specialist sectors, including electricity and renewable energy, mining, industrial relations, commercial cleaning, accreditation (eg ISO and HACCP) establishment & maintenance and viticulture.

Sianne is an experienced lawyer and Senior Associate at Commercial & Legal, bringing a wealth of experience to the litigation and disputes team, having practiced law for over 13 years in both South Australia and the United Kingdom.

Sianne has a strong interest in litigation and dispute resolution. She specialises in commercial litigation and insolvency and has a proven track record of successfully representing a broad range of clients, including individuals, small-medium enterprises, and large corporations in a wide array of legal matters in all Court jurisdictions.

Managing any claim requires initiative, problem solving, analytical thought and exercise of judgment of which Sianne regularly displays. She is highly professional, versatile and above all, approachable, providing measured advice to ensure her clients achieve the best possible outcome, unique to their situation, via dispute resolution or, if necessary, through the relevant court process. Sianne’s focus is to is to provide clients with exceptional service and cost-effective outcomes.

Johan graduated from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2004, holding an LLB. In 2006, he was admitted as a solicitor in South Africa, where he practised until March 2024, when he moved to Adelaide, Australia. Johan is currently admitted as a solicitor in South Australia, New South Wales and New Zealand.

As a legal professional, Johan has diverse and comprehensive experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, including contractual disputes, taxation, landlord-tenant disputes, sale of business, disputes with organs of state or industry organisations, building disputes and insolvency. He is also experienced in advising on, drafting and vetting commercial contracts, trust documents and corporate governance and policy processes and related documents. Johan has also advised companies on share structures and drafted constitutional and related agreements.

Johan services a range of clients, including large corporations, smaller companies and trusts that operate primarily in the agricultural, FMCG, manufacturing, transportation and specialised plant equipment hiring industries. For several clients, Johan has also served as company and trust secretary, member of board committees and trustee.

In addition to his legal expertise, Johan also values building good relationships with clients and offering a “personal” collaborative touch in pursuit of the best outcomes for matters of all types.

Marton is a legal officer in the property team of Commercial & Legal. Admitted as a solicitor in Hungary and Spain, he also holds an LL.M. degree in U.S. and Global Business Law from Suffolk University. He is currently completing studies for his admission as a lawyer in South Australia.

In senior positions at leading law firms and multinational companies in Hungary, Marton gained experience in property transactions, development projects and commercial leases. In addition to that, he has an extensive background in design and construction contracts, loan transactions, land tax, stamp duty, business acquisitions and commercial matters across a broad range of industries.

Business-oriented and dedicated to driving commercial outcomes, Marton has completed an MBA & Project Management degree at Torrens University Australia.

Marton is fluent in Hungarian and Spanish.

Fred McClure brings valuable experience in property law. As a recently admitted solicitor in the Supreme Court of South Australia. Fred is equipped with skills to handle property matters, commercial transactions, effectively manage clientele as well as managing exciting housing developments in South Australia.

Known for his hardworking and personable nature, Fred thrives on solving complex legal challenges. Whether assisting with high-level issues or more straightforward cases, his client-focused approach ensures that each matter receives the highest standard of service.

In his spare time, he enjoys playing cricket for Kensington Cricket Club and football for the Pembroke Old Scholars Football Club.

Dylan Herdegen is a lawyer in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution team, having been admitted as a solicitor and barrister in the Supreme Court of South Australia in early 2026.

Dylan supports the team across a broad range of disputes and is valued for his thorough research skills, strong attention to detail and clear, methodical approach to legal problem‑solving. He is committed to developing practical, well‑reasoned solutions and communicates with clients in a straightforward and considered manner.

Understanding that clients often seek assistance during challenging times, Dylan approaches each matter with professionalism, empathy and diligence. He is focused on delivering timely, high‑quality outcomes and is dedicated to building his skills as an emerging practitioner within the dispute resolution space.

Nicolas works in our Wills and Estates team, advising clients on their Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives as well as assisting with estate administration and estate litigation matters.

Prior to commencing legal practice, Nicolas worked as a Financial Planner for 20 years, giving him an in-depth understanding of complex structures like companies, trusts and self-managed super funds as well as all manner of investments. He graduated from Deakin University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Law with First Class Honours and now brings his significant estate planning experience to bear as a solicitor. He joined Commercial & Legal in 2025 after gaining experience working with another respected Wills and Estates firm in Adelaide.

Nicolas is very analytical, calm and patient. His previous work in finance helps him think holistically about his client’s objectives and balance competing needs. He enjoys thinking outside the box and has in-depth experience collaborating with other professional advisers to ensure the best outcome is achieved for his clients.

With experience in a vast range of client focused environments, Elle has built her communication skills which she endeavours to utilise in building relationships with clients. With attention to detail at the forefront, Elle strives to produce meaningful work which can be utilised to assist in matters.

Elle is undertaking a Bachelor of Law and Legal Practice/Bachelor of Business at Flinders University, entering her fourth year of study. Once Elle has completed her study, she is planning to seek admission and practice law in South Australia.

In her gap year, Elle completed a Certificate III in Education Support. Whilst her career aspirations have pivoted, Elle gained key interpersonal skills throughout her time completing this and an ability to adapt under different circumstances and in different environments.

Elle has completed work across the litigation, property and commercial teams and is looking forward to continuing to develop her expertise as her career progresses.

Melissa is a Senior Associate in the Property and Projects team at Commercial and Legal, returning to private practice after recent in-house experience within local government.

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Adelaide, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Australian National University. Melissa is an admitted practitioner of the Supreme Court of South Australia.

Melissa advises on a broad range of commercial and residential property matters. Her experience includes drafting and negotiating commercial and residential contracts, leases, licences and deeds and supporting property developments.

Melissa brings a practical, commercially focused approach to her work and works closely with clients and stakeholders to achieve timely and effective outcomes.