Jessica Willard

Since her call to the Bar in 2017, Jessica has developed a reputation for her fierce advocacy, strategic precision, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Criminal Law

Jessica accepts briefs to appear and advise in all areas of criminal law. She has extensive experience in complex indictable and summary matters, including murder, terrorism, large-scale drug offences, sexual offences, serious violence and property crime. She has particular expertise in white-collar crime, corporate crime, and regulatory investigations.

She regularly appears in the Magistrates’, County, and Supreme Courts across Victoria and Queensland. 


Family Law

Jessica accepts briefs in all areas of family law, including parenting disputes, property settlements, and intervention orders. She appears regularly in both the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and state jurisdictions.

Jessica brings valuable insight in family matters involving allegations of risk, family violence, or criminal conduct. She is known for her empathetic, strategic, and outcome-focused approach to navigating complex and emotionally charged disputes.

Regulatory Law

Jessica’s regulatory and quasi-criminal practice includes matters involving WorkSafe, local councils, and other statutory authorities. She has developed a strong practice in disciplinary proceedings, administrative law, and in matters involving professional misconduct. 

Background

Before joining the Bar, Jessica served as a solicitor advocate for seven years. During that time, she represented clients in remote and regional courts across Queensland, including Palm Island and the Gulf of Carpentaria.  Jessica also brings commercial acumen from her time as Legal Counsel at Specsavers, where she advised on acquisitions, franchising, intellectual property, workplace law, and corporate governance.

In 2014 Jessica co-founded Women In Crime, the leading professional network of female criminal lawyers in Victoria.