The world of advocacy: strategies for junior lawyers in the South Pacific

Winnie practises widely in commercial and public law. In commercial law, she has appeared in courts and tribunals in a range of matters including class actions, regulatory proceedings, proceeds of crime matters and other complex commercial disputes. Winnie’s public law practice includes judicial review and commissions of inquiry, acting for both government and non-government parties. She is also experienced in appellate matters and has appeared in a number of matters interstate. Prior to coming to the Bar, Winnie was a solicitor in the dispute resolution team at Herbert Smith Freehills. From 2018 to 2019, Winnie was Tipstaff and Associate to the Hon Justice Leeming of the New South Wales Court of Appeal. Winnie graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons 1) in Ancient History and Media and Communications, and Juris Doctor. She has lectured in Contracts, Criminal Law and Equity at the University of Sydney.

Kenneth Imako is an accomplished legal professional with over two decades of experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, both in Papua New Guinea and Australia. As Partner and head of the litigation division at Allens in Papua New Guinea, Kenneth leads a team of lawyers and manages complex legal matters across sectors including mining, oil and gas, finance, and infrastructure. Kenneth’s expertise covers a wide range of high-stakes disputes, acting as counsel in significant commercial cases involving employment, land tenure, construction, and maritime law. He has extensive experience defending against major damages claims, securing favourable judgments in compensation disputes, and appearing as an advocate in both trial and appellate courts. Kenneth is also experienced in arbitration, having been involved in large-scale international and domestic arbitral proceedings. In addition to his litigation and arbitration practice, Kenneth has contributed to policy and legislative reviews in areas such as arbitration, forestry, and land registration. He is an Honorary Member of the Victorian Bar in Australia and completed the Victorian Bar Readers’ Course in 2005. Kenneth co-authored the chapter on Papua New Guinea in "The International Application of FIDIC Contracts – A Practical Guide." He serves as Vice-President (International) of the Business Council of Papua New Guinea. Kenneth also has a keen interest in private prosecution and is currently working on an academic paper exploring this area of law in Papua New Guinea. With a deep connection to Bougainville and a steadfast commitment to justice, Kenneth brings a wealth of litigation and arbitration experience, strategic insight, and leadership to his role at Allens.