Welcome to Employment Law specialist Emily Crutchley as Special Counsel.

We are delighted to announce that employment law expert Emily Crutchley has joined the Sharp Tudhope team as Special Counsel, focusing on employment law and employee relations. 

Partner James Hakaria says Emily’s arrival further strengthens the Employment Team’s ability to support local businesses, particularly as the firm continues to see strong demand for employment law services.

 

“Emily’s expertise, especially her leadership experience, brings immense value to our team. Her strategic and solutions-focused approach enhances our ability to guide clients through complex employment matters,” says James.

Emily honed her skills at top-tier law firms in New Zealand and Hong Kong, gaining broad expertise across all areas of employment law. Most recently, Emily served as the Head of Employment Legal, Asia Pacific for a leading US financial institution based in Hong Kong. In this role, she led a regional team advising on employment issues and providing senior management with strategic advice. 

Returning to New Zealand after a decade overseas, Emily says that her previous experience, in both private practice and in-house roles, has given her unique insight into what businesses value in their legal advisors.

“I’ve seen firsthand the importance of getting employment matters right from the start, such as having well thought out policies in place, supporting managers in performance management and addressing issues proactively,” she explains. “I look forward to using these insights to help our clients with practical, actionable advice.”

Emily is known for her calm, professional approach and her ability to navigate challenging employment issues, from workplace investigations to conflict resolution and the development of proactive employee relations strategies.

“The employment landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. In this evolving environment, it is more important than ever for businesses to adopt a thoughtful and strategic approach to managing their workforce.”

“I’m excited to bring a fresh perspective and practical approaches to help clients navigate the often fast-moving and unpredictable challenges of employment law,” she adds.

 Emily’s decision to join Sharp Tudhope reflects her alignment with the firm’s values and collaborative culture. 

“Sharp Tudhope has a progressive and forward-thinking approach, which I find very appealing. I’m looking forward to working closely with James and Lucy Nolan to build on the team’s strengths and continue delivering exceptional service to our clients,” she says.

Emily is an Associate Member of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand, a member of the New Zealand Law Society, and the In-house Lawyers Association of New Zealand.

Connect with Emily Crutchley