Giuliana is an employment practitioner who brings significant depth of expertise built over the course of her legal career. Based in Christchurch, she advises clients across the full spectrum of employment issues — from day-to-day advice and disciplinary and performance processes to resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, or the Employment Relations Authority.
Prior to joining Cavell Leitch, Giuliana practised at mid-tier Christchurch firms in employment, education, health and safety, and sports law; acting for clients ranging from individuals to national and international businesses, listed companies, public entities and charities. She has particular regulatory and compliance experience advising national sporting organisations, schools, councils, council-controlled organisations and corporates on ethics and governance, directors’ duties, and disciplinary matters.
Before moving into law, Giuliana trained as a secondary school teacher and competed extensively in representative sport — a background that grounds her practical, people-focused approach to clients. Exceptionally driven and detail-focused, she takes pride in quickly getting to the heart of complex issues and delivering pragmatic, common-sense solutions.
Giuliana brings current experience in independent disciplinary decision-making as a Judicial Officer for New Zealand Rugby and a Disciplinary Panel Member for the Sport Integrity Commission, alongside her governance role with the New Zealand Search and Rescue Council.
Outside of work, Giuliana is an operational dog handler with New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs, contributing her skills to search and rescue efforts within the Canterbury District. Across her legal career, teaching background, and governance roles, she has built strong relationships grounded in professionalism and values the opportunity these pursuits give her to give back to her community.
