MEET THE TEAM
Fiona Dernikovic
Managing Director | Principal Solicitor
Fiona is a senior lawyer and Notary Public with over 17 years’ experience practising in commercial disputes, corporate law, property and leasing, financial services and superannuation, and wills, estate planning & probate.
Prior to establishing Fioro Legal, Fiona was a Solicitor and Senior Associate at global firm, Herbert Smith Freehills, for 11 years, advising prominent organisations, including Westpac Banking Corporation, Suncorp, QBE, Tabcorp, GPT Group, DP World Australia and AusNet Electricity, on a wide range of commercial matters.
Fiona regularly represents clients in commercial disputes and litigation, regulatory investigations and mediation. During 2018, Fiona assisted Westpac Banking Corporation on its response to the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
Fiona also advises in relation to regulatory obligations and associated risk and compliance measures, particularly in relation to modern slavery, whistleblowing, AML/CTF and privacy regimes. Fiona also has commercial experience, including as the Executive Manager to the Chief Risk Officer of BT Financial Group.
Given her background in financial services and superannuation, Fiona also advises individuals and families in relation to wills, estate planning and probate matters.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours I), Macquarie University, 2006
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Law, Macquarie University, 2006
NSW Bar Association Prize for Advocacy or Ethics, 2006
Golden Key International Honour Society, 2004
Admitted to Supreme Court of NSW, 2007
Graduate Certificate in Applied Law (Wills and Estates), College of Law (NSW), 2021
Finalist – Businessperson of the Year 2022, 2023, Northern Districts Local Business Awards
Liana Hoddinott
Solicitor
Liana has over 8 years’ post admission experience specialising in all aspects of property law, including rental dispute resolution, conveyancing, wills and estates, and contractual law. She also has experience in notarial practice, family law, notably divorce settlements and custody matters.
Liana’s experience includes being the managing partner of a specialist boutique law firm in Cape Town, South Africa. In this capacity, she gained invaluable experience in providing various legal and conveyancing services to a broad spectrum of clients.
Liana undertook her studies at the University of South Africa and is also fluent in Afrikaans. She works across our commercial, property, and wills & estates practice.
Liana is a mum to two young children for whom she acts as a full-time driver, entertainment organizer, photographer and cake-baker.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), University of South Africa, 2013
Therese Triemstra
Solicitor
Therese has practised as a solicitor for 15 years, with a significant period spent as a senior legal counsel at Metcash Trading Limited, where she acted on a broad range of commercial and property matters. Prior to joining Metcash, Therese worked in private practice across a broad range of areas, including conveyancing and wills & estate planning.
Therese has a keen interest in dispute resolution, having recently completed the nationally accredited Mediator Training Program at the College of Law (NSW), and is a professional member of the Resolution Institute.
Therese was also as an external member of the 2024 course review panel for the re-accreditation of the College of Law (NSW) Master of Laws and nested award programs.
Therese enjoys a client centred approach to her practice.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Laws, Macquarie University
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Macquarie University
Master of Management, Macquarie University
Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary), Sydney University
Postgraduate Diploma in Children’s Literature, Macquarie University
Finalist – FMCG Lawyer of the Year – 2019, 2020, Lawyers Weekly Corporate Counsel Awards
Admitted to Supreme Court of NSW
Ryan Blomfield
Paralegal | Office Assistant
Having grown up and attended school in Beecroft and Epping, Ryan is deeply connected to the Beecroft/Epping/Hills district community. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law and Commerce at Macquarie University, Ryan is dedicated to serving clients with empathy and enthusiasm.
Eager to contribute to the team’s success, Ryan supports various legal processes and client needs with diligence and adaptability.
Outside of work and studies, Ryan enjoys playing tennis and spending time with friends. His commitment to both his profession and his community makes him a valuable asset to Fioro Legal.
Charlotte Basha
Paralegal | Accounts Assistant
Charlotte is a proud local of the Beecroft and Epping area, where she completed her schooling and developed a strong connection to the Northern District and Hills District communities.
Currently completing a Bachelor of Law and Commerce at Macquarie University, Charlotte brings particular strength in supporting the firm’s accounting function. She is committed to working diligently and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance across all accounts-related matters, including billing, trust accounting and financial reporting. Alongside this, Charlotte is eager to provide support across a broad range of legal matters, bringing a practical and client-focused approach to tasks.
Outside of her work and studies, Charlotte enjoys spending time with friends and family. Her reliability and dedication to excellence make her a valued member of the Fioro Legal team.
CONTACT US
Suite 2, Level 1, 11 Wongala Crescent, Beecroft NSW 2119 (Access via Hannah Street)
We look forward to assisting you.