Presenters

Lydia Kinda, Barrister & Mediator, Svenson Barristers
Lydia has practised at the Victorian Bar since 2004 mainly in the areas of commercial disputes, insolvency, and wills and estates. Accredited as a Mediator in 2004, AMDRAS Accredited Mediator in 2008, Lydia finds using her problem-solving skills in facilitating non-litigious outcomes as well as resolving litigation without recourse to a trial the most satisfying and is focussed on her Mediation practice. Prior to her legal career, Lydia managed various businesses. She served for several years on an Owners Corporation Committee and has acted as a member a Community Consultative Committee for a local statutory authority in determining the site for a waste-water facility. Since 2006 she has been a director of a not-for-profit board. She uses her financial literacy skills to manage both the erratic nature of Bar Practice and not-for profit boards. Lydia also has an interest in writing, history and languages, namely Czech, French and German and has recently taken up Greek and Latin.

Jason Polese, Barrister & Mediator, 4 Wentworth Chambers
Jason practises in general commercial litigation, with a keen interest in consumer law, property and employment. Jason has appeared and been involved in all NSW civil jurisdictions, including the NCAT, Local Court, District Court, Supreme and Federal Courts, on a wide variety of matters including, business and commercial disputes, corporate litigation including statutory demands and winding up, bankruptcy, partnership matters, employment, equity and trust matters, and debt recovery. Prior to being called to the Bar, Jason worked as a solicitor in small firms, with a hands-on approach to clients. Previous to being admitted as a Lawyer, Jason was a hospitality Guru, managing employees and businesses for large restaurant groups, international hotels and running businesses of his own. As a Lawyer, Jason has brought this business “know-how” to assist commercial clients with his insight and understanding of the business and hospitality domain. His main areas are commercial and corporate litigation, property, insolvency and bankruptcy, building and construction and employment.