Presenters

James Harding, Legal Practice Director, Harding Property Law
Starting his own practice Harding Property Law in 2022, James stands out in the Queensland property and development sector with his unique blend of entrepreneurial experience and legal expertise. His firm, established to provide strategic advice on a wide array of complex property-related issues, quickly became known for its practical solutions catering to both corporate and private clients. James's journey in the legal field is underpinned by his background as a small business owner and employer, bringing a rare combination of commercial insights and legal acumen to his practice. This blend proves invaluable in navigating the intricate landscape of property law and commercial transactions. Earlier in his career, while with a national firm, James represented a diverse range of clients including State Government bodies, national statutory organizations, and charitable institutions, skilfully managing their property transactional needs in Queensland. His responsibilities encompassed the acquisition and sale of businesses, corporate restructuring, and providing intricate titling and structuring advice. James's expertise also extends to handling COVID-19 related leasing issues, where he advised national shopping centre operators. His proficiency in Foreign Investment Review Board Approval, compliance, enforcement responses, and advisory on Duties and Australian Foreign Acquirer Duty, further solidifies his reputation as a leader in property law. With his team at Harding Property Law, James continues to deliver tailored and strategic legal solutions, demonstrating a deep understanding of both the legal intricacies and the commercial realities of property transactions.


Darren Hopkins, Partner, McGrathNicol
Darren specialises in advising businesses on both proactive and reactive uses of technology in the areas of cybersecurity, privacy, digital forensics and technology-led investigations. Darren is a highly respected, qualified investigator and forensic technology expert with more than 26 years of specialist forensic experience and more than five years as a foundation member of the Forensic Computer Examination Unit with the Queensland Police. Held in high regard by attorneys and the courts, he has undertaken complex computer forensic examinations for both criminal and civil litigation in Australia and overseas. He works regularly with boards, executives and senior business leaders in organisations of every size to consider and set technology strategies for cyber, privacy, data protection and information risk management. His extensive experience spans across a wide range of industries, including business services, construction, entertainment, financial services, government, healthcare, insurance, leisure, manufacturing, retail and technology. Darren has assisted organisations respond to cyber incidents including complex ransomware attacks. In addition to supporting the containment, response and recovery from cyber incidents, Darren helps organisations build cyber strategies and plans to improve their cyber resilience. He also regularly applies his digital forensic and investigative expertise to help resolve time-critical and highly sensitive issues as they arise. These matters range from large-scale data breaches or theft, through to employee misconduct or intellectual property matters.