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Cowell Clarke appoints female chair
Mid-tier firm Cowell Clarke has appointed a new female chair, who has been with the firm since she started as an associate.
Lauren Croft
New chair Megan Jongebloed will take over from current chair Brett Cowell in May — and has been with Cowell Clarke since 2008.
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“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,” she 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.”
Cowell Clarke is currently expanding across South Australia and NSW, growing its digital offering alongside its traditional full commercial law services. The firm now has 120 staff all together.
In addition to her duties as chair, Ms Jongebloed 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.
Ms Jongebloed became a partner at the firm in 2013 before being appointed staff director in 2019 to help drive the firm’s culture and career progression opportunities.
“The people who make up Cowell Clarke and our culture will continue to be a key focus for me as chair. 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,” Ms Jongebloed added.
“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.”
From 1 May, Ms Jongebloed will take over from Mr Cowell, who has served in the role since 2002. Mr Cowell will remain as a director, focusing on his client advisory work and growing the firm’s digital and technology and defence sectors.
Mr Cowell, a founding partner of the firm, said Ms Jongebloed would bring a strong “people and culture focus” to the role.
“Megan has shown exceptional leadership ever since she joined our firm,” he 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.”
