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Bal Kama

Principal Kamana Legal

Canberra City, ACT

About Bal

Dr Bal Kama leads Kamana Legal and Advisory, where his reputation for calm judgment and rigorous analysis distinguishes him as a leader in transforming complex legal matters into clear strategies. With a robust background in both legal practice and academia, Bal serves clients across Australia and the Pacific, effectively navigating the intersection of law, governance, and regional challenges. Dr Kama's professional journey includes notable contributions to constitutional and governance reforms across the Pacific. His advisory role with Tuvalu on climate-resilient constitutional reforms and his leadership in strategic litigation as a Managing Lawyer at a prominent Australian public interest law firm underscore his impact. His academic achievements include a PhD from the Australian National University and an LLB from the University of Canberra, reinforcing his dual-pillar practice of legal advocacy and strategic advisory. Bal's extensive publications and high-level research reflect his thought leadership in law and regional governance. As an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Canberra, he has influenced many through education and public discourse. His consultancy work with international bodies such as the European Union and UN agencies highlights his expertise in law reform, governance, and development, further demonstrating his commitment to empowering societies within both domestic and regional contexts. Under his guidance, Kamana Legal and Advisory delivers comprehensive legal services and strategic advisory, adeptly addressing issues from constitutional law to human rights and environmental governance. The firm operates where legal precision meets practical governance insight, bridging gaps that demand more than standard expertise. Dr Kama's consultancy extends to prominent global organisations, showcasing his capability in handling intricate legal and policy matters in diverse international settings. His leadership at the Kama Scholars Foundation further illustrates his dedication to sustainable development and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea. Bal's multidisciplinary skills in legal practice, governance, and regional diplomacy have established him as a trusted advisor and strategist, empowering him to deliver nuanced, impactful solutions tailored to the needs of his clients.

Practice areas

Commercial Law

Employment Law

Estate Planning

Family Law

Immigration Law

Intellectual Property

Litigation & Disputes

Property Law

Resume

Experience

Principal Lawyer and Director

Kamana Legal and Advisory

Mar 2026 - Present • 7 months

Senior Advisor

GFA Consulting Group GmbH

Jan 2025 - Aug 2025 • 7 months

Judicial Sector Specialist - Papua New Guinea

DT Global

Sep 2024 - Jan 2025 • 4 months

Managing Lawyer

Environmental Defenders Office

Aug 2024 - Dec 2025 • 1 year 4 months

Country Analyst

S&P Global

Nov 2022 - Jun 2025 • 2 years 7 months

Special Counsel

Environmental Defenders Office

Sep 2022 - Aug 2024 • 1 year 11 months

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Law

University of Canberra

Mar 2022 - Present • 4 years 7 months

Technical Legal Specialist

Government of Tuvalu / Alofa Tuvalu

Mar 2022 - Sep 2023 • 1 year 6 months

Temporary Advisor

World Health Organization

Nov 2021 - Present • 4 years 11 months

Senior Solicitor

Environmental Defenders Office

Feb 2021 - Sep 2022 • 1 year 7 months

Visiting Fellow

The Australian National University

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 • 1 year 11 months

Law Tutor

University of Canberra

Feb 2020 - Jul 2020 • 5 months

Legal Advisor

Comcare

Sep 2019 - Feb 2021 • 1 year 5 months

Team Leader, National Redress Scheme

Department of Social Services

Apr 2019 - Aug 2019 • 4 months

Legal Consultant

Tuvalu Constitutional Reform Commission, Government of Tuvalu

Feb 2018 - Apr 2018 • 2 months

Consulting Analyst

Lowy Institute, Sydney Australia

Jun 2017 - Aug 2017 • 2 months

Legal Officer

Meyer Vandenberg

Apr 2017 - Jun 2017 • 2 months

Young Leader - One of 17 Young Leaders nominated by the One Young World

One Young World

Sep 2016 - Oct 2016 • 1 month

Sessional Lecturer & Unit Convenor

University of Canberra Faculty of Business, Government and Law

Jul 2016 - Dec 2018 • 2 years 5 months

Legal Consultant

Papua New Guinea Constitutional and Law Reform Commission

Apr 2016 - May 2016 • 1 month

Independent Consultant

Self-employed

Jan 2016 - Nov 2024 • 8 years 10 months

Principal Consultant

Insight Pacific Consulting

Nov 2015 - Present • 10 years 11 months

Founder and Director

Kama Scholars Foundation

Dec 2013 - Present • 12 years 10 months

Law Tutor

University of Canberra, Faculty of Business, Government and Law

Aug 2013 - Jun 2015 • 1 year 10 months

Research Student Officer

University of Canberra

Aug 2013 - Nov 2013 • 3 months

Legal Consultant

United Nations

Jul 2013 - Aug 2013 • 1 month

Paralegal

Aboriginal Legal Services

Feb 2013 - Sep 2015 • 2 years 7 months

Client Student Officer

University of Canberra

Mar 2010 - Nov 2013 • 3 years 8 months

Office Assistant

High Commission of Papua New Guinea

Feb 2010 - Sep 2010 • 7 months

Paralegal

Ashurst

Jan 2010 - Feb 2010 • 1 month

Education

Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

The College of Law Australia

2015 - 2016

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Law

The Australian National University

2014 - 2019

Honours in Law

University of Canberra

2012

Bachelor of International Business/Bachelor of International Relations

Griffith University

2008

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

University of Canberra

2008 - 2012

Bachelor of Arts (BA), International Relations/Politics

University of Canberra

2008 - 2011

Awards

2020

Hank Nelson Memorial Award

ANU

2016

Commonwealth Pacific Young Person of the Year

Commonwealth Secretariat, United Kingdom

Contact information

Canberra City, ACT

Unit 5, 161 London Circuit, Canberra City, ACTWebsite

Practice certificate

Name: Bal Kama
Specialisations: Administrative law Contract Government law (general) Powers of Attorney Public liability Work health & safety Corporate & governance law Litigation Workers compensation Human rights & discrimination Environmental law Privacy & Freedom of Information Appeals
Certification type: Unrestricted Private 25/26

Last checked: 11 Apr 2026 • Checked with ACT Law Society

Practice areas

Intellectual Property

Litigation & Disputes

Administrative Law
Civil Litigation

Property Law