This is an area in which Paula has undertaken specialist study and has extensive experience acting for various insolvency practitioners.

Paula acts for trustees in bankruptcy for personal insolvency matters as well as liquidators, administrators and receivers in corporate insolvency matters.  Her experience extends to appearing in the Federal Court in matters including and not limited to: pursuing voidable transactions in bankruptcy and corporate liquidations; securing and conducting contested hearings in relation to: sequestration orders; and orders to wind up companies; obtaining freezing orders; company reinstatement and subsequent winding up; and

applications to extend the statutory period for voluntary administrations.

It’s best to obtain legal advice before signing a contract. Paula Sutherland & Associates can review and provide advice in relation to contracts prior to execution.

Paula has many years of experience acting for financial institutions in enforcing mortgages and securities in residential and commercial properties.  She has acted for many lenders nationwide regarding:

• issuing default notices;
• liaising with borrowers;
• commencing proceedings to secure possession of secured properties/securities;
• enforcing court orders; and
• issuing notices relevant to abandoned goods.

Paula Sutherland & Associates has extensive experience with building and construction disputes, in both a residential and commercial context. Servicing all areas of building cost disputes, unpaid building invoice disputes, as well as unpaid contract disputes, our team of building and construction lawyers are highly skilled in this field of expertise.

These disputes are often time consuming and can involve a number of parties, including experts who (if the matter becomes litigious) may have to give evidence in support of any expert opinion they have provided. Experts may include engineers, architects, quantity assessors, and building practitioners among others. It is essential that these parties become involved at an appropriate time and that any evidence they give is converted into a form in which it can be relied upon in court. 

Paula Sutherland & Associates has acted in various disputes relating to the purchase and sale of property.

This has included:

• contractual interpretation and the consequential ability to compel or resist performance of a sale contract;
• actions for specific performance;
• claims relating to pre-contractual statements, such as the quality of the property or the existence of building or other approvals; and
• negotiations to amend contracts where a dispute has arisen, such as an adjustment to the purchase price

This is a very complex and not easily understood area of law.  Acting as a trustee imposes legal duties upon the trustee, which are often not explained or commonly known.

A trust involves ownership of property designed to benefit others – the beneficiaries of the trust.  A trust can come into existence without express agreement, such as via a constructive trust, thereby exposing parties to claims where they do not necessarily appreciate that they have adopted the role of trustee.  Disputes are unfortunately not uncommon and specialist advice is highly recommended when a trust dispute arises.

Types of trust disputes may include, but are not limited to:

• a claim that a trustee is not properly exercising their duties or acting outside the scope of their power;
• the interpretation of a trust deed;
• allegations that a trustee has acted negligently; and
• disagreements as between trustees.

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with the impact of your injury, the strain on your health, and the pressure of financial and personal responsibilities.

We offer dedicated workers’ compensation advice for Tasmanians to assist with guiding you through the process with clear, practical advice at every stage. We’ll make sure you understand your rights and options and work to secure the compensation you need to move forward.

The workers’ compensation system in Tasmania operates as a no-fault scheme. This means that if you are injured at work, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of who was responsible for the incident. Importantly, having a pre-existing condition does not automatically prevent you from making a claim; your current employer may still be liable to provide compensation depending on the circumstances of your injury.

Types of compensation available:

• Loss of income – covering both past and future earnings.
• Medical and hospital expenses – including surgery and related treatment.
• Compensation for permanent impairment – if your injury results in a whole person impairment.
• Rehabilitation and ongoing treatment – for current and future needs.
• Out-of-pocket costs – such as medication, travel, and necessary equipment.
• Paid care and assistance – including nursing support or help with tasks like yard maintenance.
• Home or vehicle modifications – to support your recovery and independence.

If you are injured at work, it is essential to notify your employer as soon as possible. Wherever you can, provide this notice in writing, or follow your workplace’s policies and procedures for reporting injuries. Your notice should clearly set out the nature of the injury, how it occurred, and the date it happened.

In Tasmania, a workers’ compensation claim (for injury or death) must be lodged within six months of the incident.  Your employer has the necessary claim form information for you.  Even if this six-month timeframe has lapsed, there are avenues available to extend the time for commencing a claim in certain circumstances.

Contact us today to discuss your claim and entitlements.