Fiona Dernikovic

Fiona Dernikovic is an accomplished Managing Director and Principal Solicitor at Fioro Legal, bringing over 17 years of extensive legal experience to the firm. As a senior lawyer and Notary Public, Fiona adeptly handles matters across commercial disputes, corporate law, property and leasing, financial services and superannuation, and wills, estate planning, and probate. Before founding Fioro Legal, Fiona honed her legal acumen at the renowned global firm Herbert Smith Freehills, where she served as both a Solicitor and Senior Associate for 11 years. In these roles, she provided expert advice to prominent organisations such as Westpac Banking Corporation, Suncorp, QBE, Tabcorp, GPT Group, DP World Australia, and AusNet Electricity on a diverse array of commercial issues. Fiona is adept at representing clients in complex commercial disputes and litigation, as well as regulatory investigations and mediations. In 2018, she played a key role in assisting Westpac Banking Corporation with its response to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry. Her expertise extends to advising clients on regulatory obligations and risk and compliance measures, with a particular focus on modern slavery, whistleblowing, AML/CTF, and privacy regimes. Fiona also boasts significant commercial experience, having served as the Executive Manager to the Chief Risk Officer of BT Financial Group. Fiona's proficiency in financial services and superannuation positions her well to advise individuals and families on wills, estate planning, and probate matters. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws (Honours I) from Macquarie University, where she received the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Law. She is also a recipient of the NSW Bar Association Prize for Advocacy or Ethics. Admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2007, Fiona further enhanced her expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Wills and Estates) from the College of Law (NSW) in 2021. Her professional achievements have been recognised as a finalist for Businessperson of the Year in the Northern Districts Local Business Awards in both 2022 and 2023.