Australia’s peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has partnered with specialist legal firm Artemide Law to deliver industry-wide legal expertise to members.
The partnership will cover a broad range of areas such as government legislation, tenancy advice, change and innovation, consumer law and more.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the partnership is important for members at a time where the retail sector is undergoing rapid transformation due to the largest set of government reforms in decades.
“The last few years and the challenges of the pandemic have hastened the pace of innovation and change for our industry, making it particularly challenging for retailers to stay ahead of the curve,” Mr Zahra said.
“Our partnership with Artemide Law is intended to give our members advice and guidance to navigate this unprecedented period for retailers, and to support them amid relentless industrial relations reforms and government policy changes.
“Artemide Law is one of the best firms in the retail sector with expertise across major industry issues and challenges, and we’re excited to work with them.”
Mr Zahra said the service will be especially valuable for SMB retailers, who are often helpless to navigate rapidly changing legal complexities.
As part of the partnership, Artemide Law’s Olivia Hitchens has been appointed as lead legal advisor for the ARA.
Ms Hitchens was formerly of Hitch Advisory, which has been the ARA’s legal partner for the past three years.
Ms Hitchens said she, and her new firm Artemide Law, are enthusiastic to continue working with the ARA and provide advice and guidance to its members.
“I have provided legal services to the ARA and its members for the past three years via my previous firm. I am so thrilled to welcome ARA members to Artemide, our specialist Retail Law firm. Our partnership with the ARA is fantastic as it enables us to advocate for retailers and to share our knowledge of the legal issues impacting the industry.”
ARA members will be able to access consultations with the firm as part of their membership, as well as additional support, education and materials.
