Fiona Stapleton
Special Counsel
Areas of Expertise

Taxation, Acquisitions, Restructures and Other Transactions, ESOPs, Estate & Business Succession Planning, Charity & Not-for-profit

Fiona specialises in providing advice on federal, state and international tax law, corporations law, charities law and regulatory matters.  

Fiona advises a broad range of clients, such as private and public companies, high net worth individuals and families and government and not-for-profit entities, on various transactions and issues, including pre and post-acquisition restructures, structuring, mergers, acquisitions and divestments, ESOPs and other employee incentive arrangements, inbound and outbound investment structures and residency.  

Fiona places emphasis on working closely with clients to understand their commercial issues and objectives in order to deliver the right outcomes.

Fiona is an active member of the tax community and has presented many technical presentations and other materials for the Tax Institute and other professional and industry bodies.  

In addition to her tax-related qualifications, Fiona has completed a Masters of Management through Harvard University Extension School to further her business and commercial expertise and to be better placed to understand and service clients' needs.

What others say

"Tax Trailblazer Award South Australia"
Tax Institute of Australia 2023
"Nominated"
Tax Institute Community Achievement Awards 2023
"Fiona's advice has been indispensable in restructuring our business for growth and sustainability while optimising our taxation position. She has ensured our shareholder agreements and capital structure not only protect the business's interests but also support its growth objectives."
Paul Dewsnap, Managing Partner, Digital Resilience
"Fiona has a clear understanding of the legal system and her expertise and highly valuable skillset enabled our company to implement an employee share option plan with ease. Fiona was very professional and helpful and was able to translate legal terms into everyday language."
Marie Ellul, CEO, ART Lab Solutions

Experience

Private and public organisations

Advising private and public organisations on acquisitions, divestments, mergers, restructuring and structuring.

Establishment of employee equity and non-equity incentive schemes

Advising on the establishment of employee equity and non-equity incentive schemes for Australian and international organisations, including start-ups and listed companies.

Australian residency and cross-border taxation issues

Advising on Australian residency and cross-border taxation issues for individuals, companies and other corporate structures.

Not-for-profit and charitable organisations

Advising not-for-profit and charitable organisations on the structuring of activities and governance issues.

Government organisations

Advising government organisations on the structuring and restructuring of activities.