Paula Sutherland & Associates

General Litigation

Alternative Dispute Resolution

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.

General Civil Litigation

Collaborative Law

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.

uying and selling residential property, whether for personal or investment purposes, is a significant event, and at Paula Sutherland & Associates, we understand the importance of this and can assist you every step of the way. We provide an efficient and affordable conveyancing service to Tasmanian clients wishing to either buy or sell a residential property. We offer expert advice and assistance for all buyers and sellers.

We act for both parties seeking payment of debts and those looking to defend a claim where it is alleged that they owe a debt to another party. No matter what the economic climate, disputes regarding liability to pay debts, the quantum, and various other factors will occur, and it is important to have a lawyer on your side with experience and expertise in dealing with your dispute. Subject to the amount of the claim in question, claims will typically be dealt with in the Magistrates or the Supreme Court.

Disability Disputes

Employment Law - Disputes

Our team at Paula Sutherland & Associates has experience assisting both employees and employers with workplace issues and litigation. We can assist with advice on recruitment, employment agreements, policies, disciplinary procedures, dismissal, redundancy, restraint of trade, confidentiality, OH&S, and workers’ compensation obligations and/or entitlements.

Paula Sutherland & Associates offer expert estate administration advice to executors, administrators, and trustees, ensuring they comply with the duties imposed upon them by law.

Paula Sutherland & Associates provide thorough and accessible estate planning services, assisting clients with drafting and updating wills tailored to their individual needs. Their team helps clients take control over the distribution of their assets, ensuring that their wishes are clearly documented to minimise family disputes and provide peace of mind for loved ones after their passing. In addition to wills, they offer professional guidance on estate administration, supporting executors, administrators, and trustees throughout the management and distribution of estates in compliance with legal obligations. Their expertise includes handling intestacy matters when a valid will is absent, providing clear direction to ensure estates are administered according to Tasmanian legislation.

General Employment Advice

At Paula Sutherland & Associates, our lawyers and solicitors offer comprehensive, accessible, and affordable assistance to clients in relation to their estate planning needs. For an appointment or to discuss drafting or updating your will, contact us.

General Litigation Services

Personal Injury advice

General Property Law advice

Enduring Guardianship

Guardianship Disputes

Insurance Disputes

Lease Disputes

Lease advice

Paula Sutherland & Associates offers comprehensive dispute resolution and litigation services across Tasmania, assisting clients with a wide range of matters including personal, commercial, and estate-related disputes. Their team provides practical and strategic advice tailored to each client’s circumstances, aiming to achieve efficient and cost-effective outcomes. The firm’s expertise spans contractual disputes, building and construction conflicts, property and trust-related issues, partnership disagreements, and debt recovery. With a focus on clear communication and diligent investigation, Paula Sutherland & Associates supports clients through complex disputes to resolve matters effectively.

Court Assistance

Magistrates Court appearances

Mediation

Medical Negligence

Mortgage advice

Paula Sutherland & Associates have acted for various insurers in relation to motor vehicle and property damage, and is very familiar with the applicable legislation. Paula has extensive experience in this area and can assist insurers and property owners with claims for damage to property and consequential economic loss. Paula can assist clients by: advising on risk, quantum, and strategy; representing parties in the appropriate Court or Tribunal; and/or recovering payments from third parties.

Personal Injury

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that appoints a person (the attorney) to make decisions on your behalf about matters that relate to your financial and legal affairs, such as selling or purchasing property and accessing funds in your bank accounts. It does not permit a person to make decisions about your medical or personal affairs; this is achieved via the appointment of an enduring guardian.

Professional negligence claims generally involve a claim made by a person who alleges that they have suffered loss as a result of the provision of services from a professional. Claims of this nature generally require a party to demonstrate that: the professional owed them a duty of care; the service provided fell short of the acceptable standard, therefore the duty was breached; and they suffered loss as a result.

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

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.

Public Liability and Claims

Supreme Court appearances

Employment Law - Unfair Dismissal

At Paula Sutherland & Associates, we encourage everyone, no matter how big or small their estate, to have a will in place. There are many benefits in ensuring that you have a valid will, including: Allowing your family the opportunity to grieve after you pass away, without having to worry about the absence of a will that details how you want your estate dealt with Having control over where your assets are distributed after you pass away Benefitting the people of your choice, who may not have otherwise benefitted under an intestacy Minimising the potential for disputes between family members regarding your assets and how they should be distributed.

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.