Our Team
Paula Sutherland & Associates’ team of Tasmanian lawyers operate from our Hobart law firm, but regularly travel to Launceston, Devonport, Burnie, and surrounding areas of Northern Tasmania to provide clients with specialised legal advice and services around dispute resolution and litigation, wills and estate planning, and estate administration.
PAULA SUTHERLAND
Principal
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 EWIKOWSKI
Associate
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.
DESTINY LANCE
Administration Manager
Destiny joined Paula Sutherland & Associates in August 2020 as a trainee and following completion of her Certificate III in Business, became a Personal Assistant to Paula Sutherland, whilst also now undertaking an administrative role in the ever-growing practice of conveyancing.
Destiny thoroughly enjoys working in the legal environment and particularly enjoys the conveyancing aspect of her role, embracing every new challenge with a positive approach. 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 family, she likes to read, travel and spend time outdoors.
DANA HORTON
Personal Assistant
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 enjoys learning and embraces the challenges associated with working in a busy law firm. She is excited to expand her career in the legal industry.
Outside of work, Dana enjoys spending time at the beach with her dog Charlie and with her family.
Paula Sutherland & Associates is an innovative and progressive firm, adopting a professional and personable approach to the law, offering specialist services in dispute resolution, commercial law and family law in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
