(Brisbane based)
Jessica is a passionate charity lawyer, and assists charitable and not-for-profit organisations with all aspects of their work including establishment and structuring, regulatory compliance, and complex dispute resolution. She is also a regular presenter of technical papers, training and professional development to the sector.
She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice from Bond University, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2013 and the High Court of Australia in 2014.
Having worked across multiple roles in the Education and Not-for-Profit sector, Jessica combines her practical experience and legal knowledge to assist institutional clients navigate their way through dispute-related matters. While methodical by nature with great attention to detail, Jessica’s ability to ‘see the big picture’ allows her to develop flexible solutions for the needs of clients and work alongside them to achieve desired outcomes.
Jessica has experience conducting matters in the Supreme Court of Queensland, Federal Court, Federal Circuit Court, Family Court of Australia, Queensland Anti-Discrimination Tribunal, Australian Human Rights Commission and Fair Work Commission.
Jessica serves as a Commissioner for Uniting Education: Schools and Colleges, a ministry of the Uniting Church in Queensland which oversees the delivery of education to children and young people through its 18 affiliated schools and residential colleges. She is also a Board member of a Uniting Church school in North Brisbane.
When not working, Jessica is an adventurous traveller and a passionate supporter of the Church’s international partners, frequently combing her overseas adventures with opportunities to support the humanitarian work of the local church abroad.
- A Director By Any Other Name – Duties of Board and Committee Members of Religious Institutions, co-authored and presented by Andrew Lind at TEN’s inaugural Religious Law Conference, July 2019
- Contract of Enrolment – A Legal and Management Planning Tool, co-authored and presented by Alistair Macpherson at TEN’s Annual Schools Law & Regulation Conference, October 2018
- When can notice terms in school enrolment contracts be unenforceable?
- 5 Tips to Consider When Setting Up a Charity that will Send Money Overseas
- The “Not for Profit” Requirement and School Kindergartens
- Discrimination in Schools – Uniform Policy vs Religious Beliefs