Cowen Schwarz Marschke Lawyers

About us

Cowen Schwarz Marschke is a respected Brisbane-based legal firm with a longstanding presence in the Queensland legal community since 1998. The firm is guided by its Principals, Richard Cowen, David Schwarz and Justin Marschke, who lead a team of over 15 accomplished lawyers committed to delivering premium legal services focused on commercial litigation, insolvency and commercial law. The firm adopts a boutique approach, concentrating solely on these areas to provide clients with expert advice backed by deep industry knowledge. This focus enables Cowen Schwarz Marschke to offer strategic, reliable and outcomes-driven solutions tailored to align with clients’ commercial objectives. Known for its involvement in some of Australia’s most significant trials and complex business disputes, the firm services a wide spectrum of clients, from small businesses to large enterprises. Their hands-on philosophy emphasises clear communication, meticulous attention to detail, and a responsive, partner-led service that aims to build enduring client relationships. Cowen Schwarz Marschke’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its repeated recognition by industry authorities. The firm has been acknowledged among Australia’s Best Law Firms for Litigation, Insolvency and Reorganisation Law, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Principals Richard Cowen and Justin Marschke have individually received acclaim for their expertise in litigation and insolvency. Additionally, the firm maintains top-tier rankings in Doyle’s Guide for Insolvency & Restructuring and Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution. Clients benefit from the firm’s blend of traditional values and contemporary legal practice, leveraging innovative technology and seasoned legal insight to secure optimal outcomes. Whether navigating complex insolvency matters or resolving commercial disputes, Cowen Schwarz Marschke offers a disciplined, client-focused approach that prioritises measurable results.

Practice areas

Commercial Law

Litigation & Disputes

Specialisations

Commercial Law

Cowen Schwarz Marschke Lawyers provide comprehensive commercial law services, drawing on extensive multi-industry experience to handle a broad range of commercial matters. Their team is adept at advising on complex transactions including service contracts, land acquisitions, corporate restructuring, business sales, and asset protection. They also offer guidance in intellectual property, company and shareholder arrangements, trade practices, and taxation. The firm’s involvement in some of Australia’s most prominent commercial trials, covering franchising disputes, professional negligence claims, and defamation actions, equips them with a practical understanding of how courts approach commercial issues. This insight benefits clients in transactional advice and litigation. Cowen Schwarz Marschke is well positioned to assist with business structures, mergers and acquisitions, competition law, commercial terms, succession planning, and large-scale commercial property dealings.

Litigation & Disputes

Cowen Schwarz Marschke Lawyers brings extensive experience in commercial litigation, assisting clients to navigate complex disputes that may affect business operations. Their expertise covers a broad spectrum of matters, including partnership and shareholder disagreements, corporate and commercial conflicts, professional negligence claims, and franchise-related disputes. They also handle lease and tenancy issues, banking enforcement, construction conflicts, joint ventures, trade practices, contractual disagreements, defamation, tax litigation, and matters involving ASIC. With a strong foundation in practical legal strategies and a commitment to resolving issues before escalation, Cowen Schwarz Marschke strives to minimise the impact that litigation may have on business productivity and morale. Their track record includes significant cases such as securing one of Australia’s largest exemplary damage awards and achieving full recovery on substantial investments. Clients benefit from their informed approach and focus on delivering timely, effective resolutions to return to normal business operations confidently.