Chen Palmer was established over 25 years ago because its founders, Mai Chen and the Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Palmer, identified a need for expert public law advice to assist members of the public and businesses in their dealings with Government. The challenge of dealing with Government agencies, particularly at times of change or crisis, was daunting for those without a background in law and public policy, and difficult even for experienced lawyers to navigate.
The gap between Government, business and the public remains complex and challenging under the coalition majority governments common under MMP. Chen Palmer exists to bridge that gap by giving those who must deal with Government the expert knowledge and legal tools they need to redress the power imbalance. Interactions with Government can feel like David and Goliath, but with the right strategic advice based on a sound knowledge of Government, and expert legal, political and media knowledge, the prospects of getting the right outcome significantly increase.
Chen Palmer has expertise in public, employment, education, government / parliament / law reform, privacy, official information, local government, regulatory affairs and public law litigation.
Learn moreThe Superdiversity Centre for Law, Policy and Business is a multidisciplinary centre specialising in analysing the law, policy and business implications of New Zealand’s superdiversity.
Learn morePublished on Lawtalk By Mai Chen Issue 939, May 2020 In LawTalk 938, April 2020, I wrote about “Judicial leadership on equal access to justice for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Parties in Courts”. That article summarised the unique insights that judges of […]
Published on RadioNZ From The Panel, 4:24 pm on 12 May 2020 A new law providing a legal framework for Covid-19 Alert Level 2 will be introduced and debated today, with criticism there’s been no time for proper scrutiny of the bill. […]
Published on RadioNZ From The Panel, 4:37 pm on 5 May 2020 There are reports that anti-Asian sentiment has increased as COVID-19 hit New Zealand. Mai Chen talks about the realities of racism in NZ directly related to the virus’s origins. […]
Mai Chen, Managing Partner of Chen Palmer and Chair of SUPERdiverse WOMEN, spoke to Andrea Gläsemann, Senior Editor Forbes magazine, on COVID-19, leadership and superdiversity. Watch the video here.
Published on RadioNZ From The Panel, 4:05 pm on 22 April 2020 The Auditor-General is going to review the distribution of PPE, including masks to healthcare workers. Dr Elizabeth Fenton, a public health ethics and resource prioritisation lecturer at Otago University’s school […]
