Her particular areas of interest and practice include:

• The establishment of new, and restructuring of existing, charities – including religious organisations, educational institutions, aid and development organisations, public benevolent institutions and charitable trusts.
• Structuring and advice in relation to complex structures including letters patent body corporates.
• Accreditation of non-State schools, advice in relation to regulatory compliance and funding obligations, and responding to regulatory action against schools in relation to accreditation and funding.
• Mergers and acquisitions between charities and not-for-profits.
• Establishment and endorsement of deductible gift recipient (DGR) endorsed funds and entities including Public and Private Ancillary Funds, school Foundations, Environmental and Cultural Organisations.
• Commercial transactions and arrangements.
• Safeguarding and child protection practices for not-for-profit and charitable organisations.

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 served on a number of charity boards, including as Chair of a faith-based school affiliate with the Uniting Church in North Brisbane. She is also a member of:

• The Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission Advisor Forum;
• Queensland Law Society Charities and Not-for-profits Law Committee;
• Law Council of Australia Charities and Not-for-profits Law Committee.