Benard Sinen
Partner
- Bachelor of Laws (University of Papua New Guinea)
- Admitted to practice as a lawyer in Papua New Guinea in 2017
Bernard graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea in 2016 and completed his post-graduate legal training in 2017, at which time he commenced practice at the National and Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea.
Bernard commenced employment with Leahy Lewin Lowing Sullivan Lawyers in 2018. He was made an Associate in 2019, a Senior Associate in 2020, prior to his elevation as Partner in 2022.
Bernard primarily practices in litigation and occasionally with commercial matters.
Bernard is fully conversant with the practice and procedure at the District, National and Supreme Court where he regularly appears for disputes in the following areas of law:
- contractual and commercial disputes
- liquidation proceedings
- debt recovery claims
- registration and enforcement of foreign civil judgment orders
- insurance related claims and defence
- building and construction disputes
- derivative and related actions under the PNG Companies Act
- matrimonial disputes and family law including divorce, custody, maintenance and adoption
- employment disputes
- tax appeals under Income Tax Act
- appeals under the PNG Land Act
- mortgagee actions and property disputes
- probate and administration
- mediation of landowner disputes in resource projects
- claims against statutory and state agencies
- recovery of legal costs
Bernard has also provided advice with respect to:
- insurance law
- company law
- labour and industrial relations law
- contract reviews and compliance
- general tax law
- provincial and local level government law
- building and construction
- public finance and procurement law
- incorporation of companies, associations, and other entities
- conveyancing and commercial property advice and documentation
- Trademark and patent registration
Bernard has acted in various significant transactions including:
- Defending a State Owned Enterprise in a multimillion kina claim for breach of power purchase agreement.
- Successfully defended, advised and provided strategic representation with restoring corporate governance and control to a major business entity belonging to the East New Britain Provincial Government.
- Successfully defended of a major Construction company against a multi million kina claim for alleged breach of contract in the refurbishment of the Sir John Guise Indoor Stadium for the 2015 Pacific Games.
- Assisted with defending contempt charges against various senior politicians
- Assisted with resolving matrimonial dispute and property settlement for prominent individuals in PNG
- Advising on various election petitions.
- Assisted in advising an overseas state-owned enterprise in its transaction with PNG Power Ltd for the purchase of gas turbines
- Member, Law Society of Papua New Guinea
- Member of PNG Institute of Directors
