With over two decades of legal practice, Biljana brings deep technical expertise across the full spectrum of legal issues affecting not-for-profit organisations, religious institutions, educational bodies and statutory entities.
Biography
Biljana's practice spans corporate governance, charity and education law, taxation and regulatory compliance. She advises on the establishment and structuring of entities, charitable trusts and statutory bodies, tax exemptions and benefits, fundraising, compliance, and government grants and funding. Her work extends to commercial arrangements compliant with the regulatory requirements of the not-for-profit sector.
She has a leading practice in constitutional structuring, with a particular focus on the education and religious sectors, and serves as a principal adviser to charitable organisations, statutory bodies and religious institutions nationally. Biljana works closely with these clients on the design and implementation of sustainable governance models, including drafting constituent documents, engaging with regulators on legislative frameworks, and navigating regulatory oversight.
A hallmark of her practice is a sophisticated understanding of the education sector and intersection between canon law and civil law. She has deep practical experience navigating complex structuring within multifaceted legislative and regulatory frameworks while respecting religious principles.
Known for her technical depth and strategic insight, Biljana combines strong commercial acumen with a nuanced understanding of the regulatory environment affecting purpose-driven organisations, underpinned by a team of specialists enabling full-service delivery on complex projects.
Biljana's experience
-
Governance and operating model design
Designing and implementing compliant and sustainable governance models for charitable organisations, statutory bodies, religious institutions and education providers. -
Property acquisitions for charitable organisations
Managing large-scale property acquisitions for education providers and other charities, including site acquisitions, indirect property tax exemptions and due diligence. -
Constitutional and regulatory frameworks
Drafting constituent documents and engaging with regulators on legislative frameworks and regulatory oversight. -
Joint venture structures
Structuring joint ventures between charitable institutions and development/investment partners (including international) for major property developments. -
Direct and indirect tax
Advising and assisting on a range of direct and indirect tax exemptions and concessions for charitable and not-for-profit organisations. -
Statutory trustee structures
Establishing statutory corporate trustees and advising on legislative drafting across multiple jurisdictions.
Awards, recognition and rankings
- Best Lawyers in Australia 2024 – Recognised for Education Law