Olivia Hitchens

Olivia Hitchens is the founder and Principal of Artemide, bringing over 15 years of experience as a Commercial Lawyer. Prior to establishing Artemide, she co-founded Hitch Advisory, where she played a pivotal role in the firm's growth before making a successful exit. Recognised as a leader in Retail Law and Franchising, Olivia also possesses a robust Property Law practice. Her reputation as a problem solver and skilled negotiator precedes her, making her a trusted advisor to some of Australia's largest businesses and high-profile clients. Her expertise spans several areas of law, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Competition and Consumer Law, and Intellectual Property, with a distinct focus on Information Technology and AI Law, Property and Construction Law, Insolvency, and Ownership Agreements. Olivia's career is marked by her commitment to industry leadership, serving as Chairperson of the Leasing and Franchising Committee at the Australian Retail Council and holding advisory roles with various organisations, including the Starlight Children's Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Sydney. Her previous roles include Senior Legal Counsel at David Jones Pty Limited, where she managed significant transactions and acquisitions and provided comprehensive commercial legal advice during a critical corporate transition period. Earlier in her career at Robert James Lawyers, Olivia provided commercial legal counsel to medium and large retail clients, specialising in Corporate/Commercial Law, Franchising, and Intellectual Property. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tasmania, where she began her legal journey as a Law Clerk with Groom Kennedy in Hobart. Her breadth of experience and dedication to her clients position her as a formidable force in the Australian legal landscape.