Paul Sheiner

Paul Sheiner, the Principal at Biyara Legal, brings over 20 years of expertise in Native Title law and commercial litigation. Recognized for his commitment to securing the best outcomes for his clients, Paul is acknowledged as a leading practitioner in Native Title matters. His extensive experience includes advising Native Title holding and claim groups on complex negotiations for Native Title agreements, Indigenous Land Use Agreements, and heritage agreements. Paul's notable achievements include representing the Tjurabalan People in the 2001 consent determination of Native Title and acting for the Martidja Banjima and Banjima People, leading to a successful determination in the Central Pilbara in 2012. He has managed intricate Supreme Court litigation involving Native Title agreement enforcement and trust compliance. Paul's solid legal advocacy extends to comprehensive claim-wide agreements with major corporations such as Rio Tinto Iron Ore and BHP Billiton Iron Ore concerning mining areas in the Central Pilbara. His legal acumen is further highlighted by his role as solicitor and counsel in the landmark Supreme Court case involving the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and representing pharmacists in a successful Federal Court judicial review case. Paul advises large corporations on Native Title and heritage issues related to mining, tourism, and gas developments. His expertise in commercial and employment disputes is applied in both the Supreme and Federal Courts. Paul's extensive experience includes acting as solicitor for the liquidator in the Geneva Finance collapse litigation and advising in the Bell Group litigation. He has represented various insolvency practitioners across Perth and handled major class action proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia. A Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws graduate from UNSW Australia, Paul also holds a Master of Laws from the University of Western Australia. He is a member of The Law Society of Western Australia and AMPLA – The Resources & Energy Law Association. His previous roles include Partner at Gadens and Christensen Vaughan and Senior Legal Officer at the Kimberley Land Council, where he was instrumental in significant Native Title agreements and litigation.