Bianca Janovic
Bianca leads our impact-driven pro bono practice in Australia.
As Pro Bono Counsel, Bianca leads the design and supervision of our Australian pro bono practice. Bianca focuses on strategic projects which promote access to justice and equity.
Throughout her career, Bianca has played a key leadership role in many of Herbert Smith Freehills' most sensitive, complex and impactful pro bono and reconciliation initiatives. She has a proven track record in securing innovative legal and restorative outcomes, with experience across a diverse range of areas, including health, human rights and homelessness.
Bianca has substantial experience in partnering with First Nations people to lead community engagement in urban, rural and remote settings. She played an instrumental role in the ground-breaking Indigenous-led reform project, Empowered Communities, including as the project’s inaugural Regional Coordinator for the Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (NPY) Lands.
Bianca is known for her strategic acumen, creative problem solving and inclusive leadership style. She is a natural advocate and collaborator, who brings a unique pallet of intellect, curiosity, energy and compassion to each project and partnership.
Background
Bianca commenced her career with the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria and was gazetted as a mediator in 2008.
Prior to moving into a full time pro bono leadership role, Bianca spent 10 years as a senior lawyer in Herbert Smith Freehills’ Disputes team and played a key role in the Indigenous-led Empowered Communities project.
Bianca holds a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology Major) from Monash University. She completed her Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Melbourne, where her research focused on the link between inclusion and wellbeing in the legal profession.
Market Recognition
Bianca received the 2019 Kathryn Everett Leadership Fellowship for Women, which she used to undertake an Adaptive Leadership course at Harvard Kennedy School in 2023 with renowned professor Ron Heifetz.
In 2014, Bianca won the Law Institute of Victoria’s Rising Star of the Year Award and, in 2016, she was named a Rising Star by Australasian Lawyer.
Bianca is an active founding member of HSF’s IRIS (LGBT+) Network, as well as a Respect Leader and Mental Health Champion.
