Richard Cowen

Richard Cowen is an accomplished legal professional based in Brisbane, with over three decades of experience in the legal field. Admitted as a Barrister in Queensland since 1990, Richard has dedicated more than 20 years to practising as a solicitor, focusing on insolvency, commercial litigation, and commercial negotiation, documentation, and dispute resolution. Throughout his career, Richard has been involved in some of Australia’s most significant insolvency cases, including major matters like Pyramid Building Society, Farrow Mortgage Services, Tri-continental, Bond Corporation, The Wattle Group (Dexter), Storm Financial, and Kleenmaid. His extensive experience in asset structuring and corporate and commercial matters allows him to advise directors, shareholders, and business owners on complex issues both proactively and in response to disputes. Richard has also acted in a wide spectrum of litigation matters, notably securing Australia’s largest private exemplary damages award for a client against a defendant found to have acted improperly. His comprehensive understanding of commercial litigation and insolvency matters enables him to provide valuable strategic guidance to his clients. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment from the Securities Institute of Australia. Richard is a Fellow of FINSIA and is admitted to practise as a solicitor in the Supreme Court of Queensland, the High Court of Australia, and the Supreme Courts of the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory. Committed to professional development and legal community engagement, Richard is a member of the Queensland Law Society and the Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association (ARITA), as well as INSOL International. He also contributes to the insolvency practice area through his involvement with the Queensland Law Society and Law Council of Australia Insolvency Committee. Richard’s expertise has been recognised through multiple accolades, including consistent listings as a Leading Lawyer in Insolvency & Restructuring and Litigation & Dispute Resolution by Doyle’s Guide from 2012 through 2025. He has also been recognised by Best Lawyers Australia in the areas of Insolvency and Reorganisation Law, and Litigation for consecutive years, reflecting his standing in the legal profession. Clients seeking knowledgeable and experienced guidance in insolvency, commercial disputes, or corporate matters can rely on Richard Cowen’s expert advice and thorough understanding of the legal landscape in Australia.