Secretariat
Secretary-General
Dr Gordon Hughes AM
Dr Gordon Hughes AM, a leading international expert on IT and Data Protection Law, became a LAWASIA member in 1988. His considerable service to the legal profession is documented through election to the roles of president of the Victorian Society for Computers and Law (1991-1994), president of the Law Institute of Victoria (1992-1993), and president of Australia’s peak body, the Law Council of Australia from 1999 to 2000.
After serving as an Executive Committee member and vice-president he became LAWASIA president in 2001 and played a fundamental role in increasing its profile in all areas. He worked actively throughout the region during his presidency, earning the respect and admiration of many for his dedication to positioning LAWASIA as an invaluable resource for all lawyers with an interest in the international legal community.
He was appointed a Distinguished Member of Council in 2005 and in 2007 he was made an honorary Life Member of LAWASIA in recognition of his significant and continued support. Subsequent to his presidency, he chaired the LAWASIA Business Law Section and in 2021 he assumed the role of LAWASIA Secretary-General on a part-time basis.
In 2017, Dr Hughes was awarded an Order of Australia “for significant service to the law, to professional organisations and to international affairs and legal practice in the Asia-Pacific region”.
Email: ghughes@dcc.com
Head of Events
Ms Magda Imre
Magda Imre joined the Secretariat in 2014. Magda is responsible for the administration and coordination of LAWASIA’s conferences and other events. She liaises with organising committees and oversees all conference logistics.
Magda has an extensive background in international event management, working with a variety of multinational companies and external stakeholders to provide high-quality professional events.
With over 12 years of events experience and as a Senior Event Manager, she has successfully delivered more than 30 international business summits across Europe, the Middle East and the Asia Pacific. Magda is dedicated to building strong business networks in the Asia Pacific and to providing relevant professional events to LAWASIA’s cross-cultural membership.
Your contact for: Any event-related enquiries, including those from conference venues, suppliers, and current or prospective conference attendees.
Email: magda.imre@lawasia.asn.au
Conference & Events Manager
Ms Shanna Venter
Shanna joined the Secretariat in 2018 as the Conference & Events Coordinator.
In her role, Shanna assists Magda with the day to day administration, coordination and logistics of LAWASIA’s conferences and other events, to ensure the overall success and smooth running.
Shanna enjoys working with people, and has found her passion for Event Management through her experience in the Corporate Travel & Events, Hospitality and Entertainment Industries.
Your contact for: Any event-related enquiries, including those from conference venues, suppliers, and current or prospective conference attendees.
Email: shanna.venter@lawasia.asn.au
Communications & Marketing Coordinator, Secretariat
Ms Julie Do
Julie is French and comes from Paris. She has joined the LAWASIA Secretariat team as a Communication and Marketing Coordinator since January 2019. In her current role, Julie is responsible for the development and maintenance of LAWASIA communications, publications, and member resources, including the website, social media, e-newsletters, conference and events collateral, member marketing / promotional material.
After working six years for Deloitte in Paris within the Marketing and Communication department, Julie has decided to move overseas to diversify her experience working for international organisations where she can apply her extensive background in digital marketing.
Your contact for: Any marketing-communication related enquiries (advertising, e-Newsletters, website etc).
Email: Julie.do@lawasia.asn.au
Communications Coordinator, Secretariat
Ms Swapna Kulkarni
Swapna Kulkarni joined the Secretariat in February 2024 as Communications Coordinator.
In her role, Swapna supports LAWASIA’s marketing and communications initiatives, working closely with the Events team to design and implement effective branding and promotional strategies. She brings expertise in graphic design, digital marketing, and social media management.
With over 12 years of experience in marketing, including significant contributions within the aviation industry in the Middle East, Swapna has led several award-winning brand campaigns.
Your contact for: Any inquiries or requests related to Marketing & Communications.
Email: swapna.kulkarni@lawasia.asn.au
Membership & Operations Officer, Secretariat
Mrs Nada Poole
Nada Poole joined the Secretariat in December 2022. She oversees all membership-related activities and manages operational and organisational tasks for LAWASIA. In her role, Nada collaborates with individual members, member organisations, Council members, and the Executive Committee.
With over 20 years of experience in administration, Nada has worked for both blue-chip companies and small businesses in Australia and the UK. She enjoys connecting with people from various jurisdictions, which complements her passion for travel.
Your contact for: Any membership or general enquiries regarding LAWASIA.
Email: nada.poole@lawasia.asn.au
Contact the Secretariat
Level 1 | MODE3
24 Lonsdale Street
Braddon ACT 2612
AUSTRALIA
Postal Address:
PO BOX Q1317
Queen Victoria Building NSW
1230
T: +61 2 7255 5130
E: lawasia@lawasia.asn.au
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 5:30pm (AEST)