Former Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker has joined Chen Palmer Partners as a principal in Auckland.
After graduating top of her law class at Waikato Law School, Hardaker practiced law for 17 years with local firm McCaw Lewis, specialising civil litigation and employment law as a member of the firm’s dispute resolutions team. Hardaker also has vast experience in local government public law, including policies, statutory compliance, governance, and decision making. She eventually became an equity partner and a management team member at the firm.
Hardaker served two terms as Hamilton mayor, from October 2010 to October 2016. During her terms, city’s council undertook a major governance and financial restructuring, developed a new district plan, and pushed for policy advocacy at both the regional and national level.
She joins Chen Palmer’s employment law and public law practices, where she will focus on local government issues. She also recently finished her master’s degree in business management, majoring in human resources and strategic management.
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