Fiona Kirkman

Head of Legal Innovation & Engagement at CORTO - Specialist FDRP @ Kirkman Family Law - WIL Thought Leader
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Professional Overview

Fiona Kirkman is a seasoned legal professional with a strong focus on innovation, family law, and industry leadership. As the Head of Legal Innovation & Engagement at CORTO, she spearheads initiatives to drive technological advancements and improved client experiences within the legal sector. Concurrently, Fiona maintains her role as a Specialist Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) at Kirkman Family Law, where she applies her expertise to help families navigate complex legal challenges.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Head of Legal Innovation & Engagement at CORTO (2024-04-01 to Present)

• Responsible for steering CORTO's strategic vision for legal innovation, identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies and process improvements

• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to enhance the firm's client-centric service model and drive digital transformation

• Serves as a thought leader and speaker, sharing insights on the intersection of law, technology, and client-centricity

Specialist FDRP at Kirkman Family Law (2015-12-01 to Present)

• Provides specialized family dispute resolution services, helping clients navigate complex legal and emotional challenges with empathy and professionalism

• Leverages expertise in family law to achieve favorable outcomes for clients, minimizing the need for costly and time-consuming litigation

WIL Thought Leader at Corto (2024-04-01 to Present)

• Advocates for the advancement of women in leadership (WIL) within the legal industry, serving as a mentor and role model for aspiring professionals

• Contributes to industry discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusive practices

Career Progression

Global Family Law Evangelist at Smokeball Australia (2023-04-01 to 2024-03-01)

• Played a pivotal role in expanding Smokeball's footprint in the Australian family law market, driving adoption of the firm's practice management software

• Leveraged industry expertise to provide valuable insights and thought leadership, positioning Smokeball as a trusted partner for family law practitioners

Co-Founder at FamilyProperty (2017-11-01 to 2024-03-01)

• Co-founded FamilyProperty, a innovative legal technology startup focused on streamlining the property division process in family law matters

• Spearheaded product development, client acquisition, and strategic partnerships, contributing to the company's growth and industry recognition

Senior Associate at Solari & Stock Lawyers (2012-01-01 to 2015-12-01) and Armstrong Legal Family Law (2007-07-01 to 2012-01-01)

• Honed her family law expertise while serving as a senior associate at two prestigious law firms, handling complex cases and developing a reputation for client-centric service

Academic Background

Fiona holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Wollongong, where she graduated with honors. She is also a qualified Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), a specialized designation that enhances her ability to support clients in navigating family law disputes.

Areas of Expertise

• Family law, including property settlements, child custody, and divorce proceedings

• Legal innovation and digital transformation in the legal industry

• Family dispute resolution and mediation

• Thought leadership and industry advocacy, particularly for women in leadership

Professional Impact

• Spearheaded the development of FamilyProperty, a successful legal technology startup focused on streamlining property division in family law cases

• Served as a global evangelist for Smokeball, driving the adoption of practice management software within the Australian family law market

• Actively contributes to industry discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusive practices in the legal sector

Conclusion

Fiona Kirkman's multifaceted career trajectory and diverse experience have positioned her as a respected leader in the legal industry. Her expertise in family law, combined with her passion for innovation and her advocacy for women in leadership, make her a valuable asset to both her clients and the broader legal community. Fiona's commitment to driving positive change and delivering exceptional client service is a testament to her professional excellence.