Paula graduated in 2003 from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree in Commerce and Law.  She was admitted to the Supreme Court of Tasmania and subsequently the High Court of Australia in 2004, after completing the mandatory legal practice course.

Paula has practised in Hobart, in the field of litigation, since admission; initially in general litigation for the first two years (including commercial litigation, personal injury and criminal defence) then ultimately specialising in commercial litigation/dispute resolution.  This is a very comprehensive area of law, which includes a range of disputes outlined and explained further on our Dispute Resolution and Litigation page, and for which the assistance of a lawyer can mean the difference between a favourable outcome and one resulting in adverse financial (and other) consequences.  Such disputes are often complex and involve commercial parties (companies and businesses) and/or individuals.

Paula has been a partner of two of Hobart’s larger law firms before opening Paula Sutherland & Associates, offering specialist litigation services.

Paula has undertaken post-graduate study in insolvency in 2008 through the University of Southern Queensland, being the Advanced Insolvency Course, which has enabled her to offer specialist services in this area also.

Paula prides herself on being approachable, empathetic and relatable to clients, providing expert advice and guidance with a view to assisting clients through their disputes, whether or not they become litigious.  She acts for both corporate clients and individuals.

Paula is an advocate for exhausting all possible avenues of resolution before engaging in litigation, which can be costly, carry risk and generally be a very stressful experience for clients.

Whilst Paula acts as counsel on the majority of her matters and is a seasoned advocate, she also has a small group of specialist barristers that she briefs when necessary or requested.

Paula is committed to achieving the best outcome for clients in an expedient and cost-effective manner.

Paula welcomes client enquiries in relation to new and existing matters. Paula has regularly acted as agent for mainland firms and mercantile agencies and is happy to continue to do so.

​Paula has been recognised as a preeminent and leading commercial litigation and dispute resolution lawyer in Tasmania in 2017, 2018, and 2021 by the Doyles Guide.

Manfred is originally from Western Canada and moved to Tasmania in 2005. Manfred transitioned to the legal profession after careers involving the international equestrian industry, community development sector and various business ventures. He graduated from the University of Tasmania with first class honours and was admitted to practice in 2019. Manfred has spent his legal career working predominately in litigation.

Manfred has honed his litigation skills in the areas of Administrative Law and commercial disputes. He is passionate about the use of alternative dispute resolution models to help his clients find cost-effective solutions to their litigation matters.

Manfred began his career litigating migration matters throughout Australia. He then moved to the Hobart office of one of Australia’s largest corporate law firms where he gained invaluable commercial litigation experience. Manfred is keen to use his life experiences and legal knowledge to help his clients navigate their interactions with the law.

Most weekends, you will find Manfred and his family on or around a soccer (football) pitch or enjoying country life in the Huon Valley. Manfred is passionate about social justice and is always looking for ways to bring sustainable change to vulnerable people in Australia and throughout the world.

Landis graduated from Griffith University in Brisbane in 2005 with a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce. Landis was admitted to the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2007 and to the High Court of Australia in 2008.

Landis commenced his legal career working in a general practice where he focused on criminal defence law. In this role, he also gained experience in matters ranging from civil and commercial litigation, commercial leasing, family law, personal injury and workers’ compensation.

Landis then spent time working in far south-west Queensland with a community based legal assistance organisation established to protect the legal and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In this role, he practiced in civil, family, and criminal defence law, gaining invaluable experience appearing as a duty lawyer in Courts throughout far south-west Queensland.

After moving back to Brisbane, Landis owned and operated his own criminal defence law firm for a number of years before taking a role in the not-for-profit sector, assisting current and former defence force members with matters involving the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Before joining Paula Sutherland & Associates, Landis practiced in the civil law arm of a Queensland State Government funded legal service.

Landis’ career path has allowed him to gain experience across a diverse range of matters and areas of law. He prides himself on his resolute but pragmatic and sensible approach to assisting clients with their legal matters and with navigating the legal system.

Landis relocated to Tasmania in 2026 with his wife and their 2 spoilt rotten, stubborn, but big-hearted and affectionate basset hounds.

Peter graduated in 2019 from the University of Tasmania with a combined degree in Arts and Law. Following the completion of his studies, he was admitted to practice as a legal practitioner in 2020 in the Supreme Court of Tasmania.

Since his admission, Peter has built significant experience working within the Workers’ Compensation Scheme, representing both employers and injured workers. Through this work, he has developed a strong understanding of the legal issues that arise in workers’ compensation claims. Prior to joining our firm, Peter worked at another legal practice where he continued to develop his expertise in workers’ compensation matters. In that role, he focused on providing timely, practical, and effective legal solutions for workers, assisting clients to navigate and resolve complex compensation claims. Peter strives to provide timely, cost effective and compassionate advice.

Peter also assists with a range of other civil disputes, working with Paula and Manfred.

Destiny joined Paula Sutherland & Associates in August 2020 as a trainee and has completed her Certificate IV in Legal Services.
 
Destiny assists Paula Sutherland managing workflow, client enquiries and completion and filing of documents. In addition, due to her excellent time management and impressive work ethic, she also manages administrative staff, taking on a supervisory role, allocating tasks, and providing mentoring and guidance. She has also taken on general practice management and accounting tasks, with her attention to detail outstanding.
 
Destiny thoroughly enjoys working in the legal environment and particularly enjoys assisting with dispute resolution matters. She enthusiastically embraces new challenges with a positive approach and a real desire for continued learning and understanding of the many facets of the legal industry. 
 
You will find Destiny a pleasure to deal with and always happy to go above and beyond to assist. Personally, Destiny loves to spend time with her partner and family, likes to read, travel and spend time outdoors.

Dana joined Paula Sutherland & Associates in August 2022 as a Personal Assistant. Dana enjoys working in a team environment and assisting to progress matters on behalf of clients. She prides herself on her strong interpersonal skills and ability to assist various members of the team in her day-to-day activities.

Dana’s career with the firm has progressed and she is now a Paralegal in Conveyancing and Estate Planning and Administration. Dana has excelled in managing client matters, assisting with drafting and co-ordinating conveyancing transactions through to completion, and she has become an invaluable part of the team.

Dana enjoys learning and embraces the challenges associated with working in a busy law firm.

Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time at the beach with her dog Charlie, and with her family.

Shaun joined Paula Sutherland & Associates as a Paralegal in April 2026, bringing valuable experience and knowledge in the conveyancing field, and is now a pivotal part of our estate planning and administration team. As a Paralegal, Shaun is committed to expanding his expertise across a broad range of legal areas and is enthusiastic about continuing his professional development within the legal industry.

Outside of work, Shaun has an extensive background across a wide range of sports, both as a participant and enthusiast, and still continues to enjoy playing basketball, football, and golf. This experience has fostered within him an enthusiasm for teamwork, discipline and a collaborative approach within the working environment.

Shaun is also passionate about giving back to the community and actively supports initiatives that help others grow and achieve their goals.

Tash joined Paula Sutherland & Associates in February 2026, approaching her work with professionalism and a genuine dedication to helping others achieve the best possible outcomes. Known for her reliability and approachable nature, Tash enjoys being part of a collaborative team and values building positive relationships with the people she works with. She is committed to developing her legal knowledge.

Outside of the office, Tash loves being a nan and cherishes spending time with her family and friends. She also has a fun, musical side and has been known to sing the occasional tune, bringing a bit of light-hearted energy wherever she goes.

Woof woof!