Jess accepts briefs in criminal law, quasi-criminal and regulatory matters.
She has a broad range of experience in both summary and indictable criminal matters, with particular interest in serious drug offending and violence offences. Jess previously practised at Victoria Legal Aid, working in a number of different metropolitan and regional courts. She also previously prosecuted serious indictable matters at the Office of Public Prosecutions, working in both the Trial Division and Advocacy Team.
Jess is an accomplished advocate. She has appeared in a variety of hearings in the Magistrates’ Court, Children’s Court, County Court and Supreme Court, including bail applications, pleas, contested hearings, committals, appeals and hearings relating to the Serious Offender provisions. She appears in trials as junior counsel and is currently in Victoria Legal Aid’s Trial Counsel Development Program.
Immediately prior to the Bar, Jess was employed as a Senior Lawyer in the Litigation and Enforcement Team at the Victorian Building Authority. Here she advised on, and appeared in, regulatory criminal proceedings. Jess also formerly worked as a Case Investigation Officer at the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK, where she conducted investigations into the fitness to practise of nurses and midwives. Whilst in the UK, she completed an Award in Regulatory Investigative Practice at Queen Margaret University.
Jess read with Kelly McKay. Her senior mentor is David Hallowes SC.
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.
