Ms Fiona Burns

Lecturer - School of Law

Biography

I am a passionate legal educator and lecturer at the University of New England, where I strive to bridge the gap between legal theory and real-world practice for my students. My teaching philosophy is grounded in making law accessible, relevant, and engaging; drawing on over two decades of experience as a lawyer, mediator, and company director to bring practical insights into the classroom.

I coordinate and teach Alternative Dispute Resolution, Legal Professional Skills, and Corporations Law, as well as contribute to a range of law subjects including Business Law, Legal Remedies, Advanced Legal Writing, Torts, and Family Law. Whether delivering lectures on campus or online, I am committed to creating an inclusive, interactive, and supportive learning environment. My approach emphasises critical thinking and the development of practical skills that prepare students for the realities of modern legal practice.

Having worked extensively in both Australia and New York, I bring a global perspective to my teaching, enriched by hands-on experience in mediation, litigation, and complex dispute resolution. I regularly draw on real case studies, current legal developments, and my own professional journey to help students connect legal concepts with everyday challenges faced by lawyers and clients.

Beyond the university, I continue to practice as Managing Director of Fiona Burns Legal & Mediation, and I am actively involved in community legal education, professional development, and volunteer work. I hold specialist accreditations in personal injury law and mediation, and I am admitted to practice in New South Wales, the High Court of Australia, and New York State.

Above all, I am committed to equipping the next generation of legal professionals with the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding they need to thrive in a rapidly changing legal landscape

Qualifications

2019 - Graduate Certificate in Family Dispute Resolution, College of Law
2004 - Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PLT), University of Technology Sydney
1999-2003 - Bachelor of Laws, University of New South Wales
1999-2003 - Bachelor of Arts (Political Science & International Relations), University of New South Wales

Professional qualifications

2021 - Group Facilitation Certification, the Groupwork Institute
2020 - Family Group Conference Facilitation, Mediation Institute
2019 - AMDRAS Accreditation, Mediation Institute
2019 - Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, certified by the Commonwealth Attorney-General
2015 - Admitted Attorney, United States District Court, Southern District of New York
2014 - Admitted Attorne,y United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
2014 - Notary Public, New York State
2013 - Admitted Attorne,y New York State Bar
2010 - Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, Law Society of New South Wales
2007 - Admitted Solicitor, High Court of Australia
2004 - Admitted Solicitor, Supreme Court of New South Wales

Teaching Areas

Torts, Introduction to Business Law, Contracts, Corporations Law, and Family Law.

Currently Teaching

LAW157/LLM457 – Alternative Dispute Resolution
LAW131 – Torts
LAW102 Legal Professional Skills

Publications

'Three Malpractice Cases Create Clearer Interpretations of Laws', New York Law Journal (New York, August 2015)
'Medical Monitoring Cause of Action Rejected in One of Three Stand-Out Cases', New York Law Journal (New York, August 2014).

Memberships

Mediation Institute
Law Society of New South Wales – Current Practising Certificate

Community and Advocacy Organisation Collaborations

Tamworth Community College
Tamworth Family Law Pathways Network – Centacare New England North West
St Mary’s North Tamworth Pre-School
Tamworth Business Chamber

External Profiles

LinkedIn Profile