A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and light skin, smiling with arms crossed, wearing a patterned blouse and black pants, against a gray background.

Meet Jody Fitzgerald

Mediator, Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) & Specialist Elder Mediator, Adelaide

I am an AMDRAS-accredited mediator and registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP), with a strong legal and commercial background and a practical, down-to-earth approach. I believe many disputes can be resolved more effectively through respectful, structured conversations than through costly and stressful court proceedings.

Clients value my calm, balanced approach and my ability to guide difficult conversations with clarity, fairness, and respect. My role is to create a safe, impartial environment where people can communicate openly, explore options, and work towards practical and lasting agreements — whether we meet in Adelaide, elsewhere in South Australia, interstate, or online.

Qualifications

* Bachelor of Commerce

* Bachelor of Laws

* Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice

* Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution

*Cert EM

Legal and Professional Background

Early in my legal career, I served as Associate to the Honourable Justice Margaret Nyland in the Supreme Court of South Australia, gaining valuable insight into the legal system and the impact litigation can have on individuals, families, and businesses.

I have also worked as a senior legal adviser and Chief of Staff to a Member of the Legislative Council in the South Australian Parliament, where I managed complex legal, policy, and stakeholder matters, often involving negotiation and competing interests.

Panel and Community Roles

Alongside my private mediation practice, I assist families to navigate parenting and property matters through Anglicare WA. I am a panel mediator for Courts SA and the Small Business Commission SA, and I conduct pro bono mediations through the Adelaide and Christies Beach Magistrates Courts. I also serve on the Law Society of South Australia's Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee.

Whether you are navigating a family, workplace, business, or community dispute, I am committed to helping parties find practical solutions and move forward with confidence.