NICOLA DE ZOYSA FERNANDO, ESQ.
ASSOCIATE
Professional Background
Nicola brings a diverse international legal background and a strong commitment to zealous, client-centered advocacy. She approaches each matter with diligence, strategic insight, and a passion for serving her clients’ best interests.
Prior to joining the Firm, Nicola passed the California Bar Examination, was admitted to practice law in California, and thereafter worked as an Associate Attorney at a boutique law firm in Long Beach, where she developed extensive experience in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution. Her practice focused on business litigation, employment matters, class actions, and maritime and transportation law. Concurrently with her California Bar Exam preparation, Nicola served as a Law Clerk at a boutique Orange County firm. In this role, she provided substantive support on complex matters involving plaintiff-side personal injury, immigration, and employment law, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical litigation.
Prior to relocating to the United States, Nicola practiced law in Colombo, Sri Lanka, under the mentorship of a prominent President’s Counsel at a leading law firm. She regularly appeared before Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Commercial High Court, and District Courts. During this time, she developed substantial expertise in drafting legal opinions, commercial contracts, pleadings, and written submissions for trials and arbitrations. Her practice encompassed construction, corporate and commercial disputes, company law, land law, intellectual property matters, and Fundamental Rights applications. Nicola gained experience through multiple legal internships and also completed a period of legal apprenticeship at the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka prior to being called to the Bar as an Attorney-at-Law of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.
Outside of her legal practice, Nicola has ten years of experience as an English-language television and radio news anchor in Sri Lanka. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, experimenting in the kitchen, exploring diverse cuisines, fashion, dancing, singing, maintaining an active fitness routine, and advocating for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Bar Admissions
• California, 2024
• Sri Lanka, 2018
Professional Memberships
• State Bar of California
• Los Angeles County Bar Association
• Bar Association of Sri Lanka
Education
Nicola earned her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), equivalent to a J.D., and graduated with Honors from the University of London. Furthermore, she holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Commercial and Corporate Law from the University of London. She has passed both the California State Bar Examination and the Sri Lanka Bar Examination.
Other
In addition to her legal education, Nicola has completed the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA UK) examinations through the Management Level. She also holds an Associate Diploma (ATCL) in Speech & Drama from Trinity College London and a Licentiate Diploma (LLCM) from the London College of Music.