Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

EMILY HARKIN

Rye

Summary

I am a skilled and accomplished leader, strategist, communications expert and lawyer with more than 19 years’ professional experience. I am highly skilled at managing and leading teams to success and known for my outstanding communication skills. I have sharp commercial acumen and analysis ability. I am adept at building strong relationships both within complex government organisations and externally with high profile stakeholders. I am politically astute and experienced. I am experienced in driving strategic communications. I am a high-energy, results-oriented, ethical lawyer and leader with proven-abilities.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Advisor to the Prosecutor

International Criminal Court
08.2011 - 08.2011
  • Selected by Melbourne University to offer legal assistance to the Prosecutor in Prosecutor v Lubanga due to exceptional performance in Masters of Public and International Law.

General Counsel

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
08.2022 - Current
  • Provided strategic advice on a range of matters to the CEO including political matters, legal matters, communications and media.
  • I considered and advised on the importance of regulatory framework, law, public relations, reputation and media.
  • Oversaw functions and activities of Legal and Insurance Team.
  • Conducted high-stakes negotiations.
  • Strengthened partnerships with government agencies to achieve organisational goals.
  • Fostered internal and external relationships for Council.
  • Directed crisis communications and response for Board of Inquiries.
  • Supervised expenditure control.
  • Handled significant litigation cases and conflict resolutions.
  • Supervise and offer strategic advice on legal vulnerabilities.
  • Managed complex contract negotiations totaling over $500 million.
  • Created and executed strategic guidelines.
  • Coordinated multi-party mediation sessions effectively.
  • Designed precedent materials to streamline organisation wide processes.
  • Delivered comprehensive legal training throughout the organisation.

Principal Lawyer

Mornington Peninsula Lawyers
05.2018 - 08.2022
  • Represented clients in various courts and tribunals, including Supreme, County, Magistrates, Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.
  • Supervised financial operations and trust account administration.
  • Drafted comprehensive contracts for large-scale projects.
  • Built a distinguished brand on the Mornington Peninsula, ensuring dependable legal assistance.

Legal Counsel

Cardinia Shire Council
03.2014 - 05.2018
  • Drafted and reviewed contracts to ensure compliance.
  • Facilitated informed decision-making through specialised legal counsel.
  • Drafted policies to guide executive decision-making on risk.
  • Handled legal proceedings with consistent success in both Magistrates and Supreme Courts.
  • Offered strategic counsel to CEO on legal and communication matters.
  • Oversaw compliance services for team of 14 personnel and 70 School Crossing Supervisors.
  • Directed and facilitated the integration and execution of Activity Based Working.
  • Monitored staff productivity and conducted performance evaluations.
  • Delivered communications support and guidance.
  • Resolved intricate customer complaints with efficiency.

Maternity Leave

07.2013 - 03.2014

Solicitor Advocate

Victorian Government (Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure)
07.2009 - 07.2013
  • I advised on issues of law, particularly on risk management, privacy, evidence, human rights, traffic related matters and criminal procedure.
  • Handled legal proceedings in Court for the Department.
  • Reviewed contracts for Victorian Government as needed.
  • Delivered training sessions to Authorised Officers on legal evidence and criminal procedures.
  • Prepared comprehensive reports for Minister.

Corporate and Commercial Solicitor

Oakley Thompson & Co
03.2007 - 07.2009
  • Drafted contracts and advised on commercial disputes.
  • Represented clients in County, Supreme, Federal, and High Courts for various cases.
  • Participated in mediations and complex dispute resolution processes.

Education

Master of Laws -

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE
Melbourne, VIC
2011

Bachelor of Laws - High Class Honours

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
Melbourne, VIC
2007

Bachelor of Business - Specialisation Management

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY
Melbourne, VIC
2007

VCE -

KILBREDA COLLEGE
Mentone, VIC
2001

Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Written communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Conflict resolution
  • Training and mentoring
  • Presentations and public speaking
  • Stakeholder management
  • Client relationship management
  • Performance analysis
  • Empathy and understanding
  • Excellent communication
  • Crisis intervention strategies
  • Policy and procedure improvements

Timeline

General Counsel

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
08.2022 - Current

Principal Lawyer

Mornington Peninsula Lawyers
05.2018 - 08.2022

Legal Counsel

Cardinia Shire Council
03.2014 - 05.2018

Maternity Leave

07.2013 - 03.2014

Advisor to the Prosecutor

International Criminal Court
08.2011 - 08.2011

Solicitor Advocate

Victorian Government (Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure)
07.2009 - 07.2013

Corporate and Commercial Solicitor

Oakley Thompson & Co
03.2007 - 07.2009

Master of Laws -

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

Bachelor of Laws - High Class Honours

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Business - Specialisation Management

VICTORIA UNIVERSITY

VCE -

KILBREDA COLLEGE

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