- Position:
- Lead Counsel
- Qualification:
- LLB, LLM (international Law)
- Area of law:
- Interpretation and development of legislation, Administrative decision making and review, Human rights and equal opportunity, Civil litigation and dispute resolution (including personal injury)
Jessica leads a team of lawyers, the Constitution and Advice Team, at the VGSO, and has particular expertise in providing advice and conducting litigation for a variety of government clients on questions of constitutional law, statutory interpretation, human rights, administrative decision-making and other public law matters. Jessica regularly provides advice to the Attorney-General for Victoria on constitutional matters. She also advises on public law, statutory and human rights issues for a variety of Departments and agencies. Her extensive experience in government law, combined with her ability to interpret complex legislation, enables her to assist government clients to resolve difficult issues and to understand legislative requirements and powers.
In a litigation context, Jessica manages constitutional litigation in which the Attorney-General is intervening in the Supreme Court of Victoria (Trial Division and Court of Appeal), the Federal Court and the High Court. She also acts in a range of other litigious matters including judicial review proceedings and human rights proceedings.
Jessica has been with the VGSO since 2008. Prior to managing the Constitution and Advice Team, she jointly managed the Human Rights Team and also managed human rights litigation in which the Attorney-General intervened.
Before working at VGSO, Jessica worked at the Australian Government Solicitor; first in the Employment and Administrative law team in Canberra, and then in the Trade Practices and Enforcement team in Melbourne.
Phone: 03 8684 0402
Mobile: 0458 835 932
Email: jessica.cleaver@vgso.vic.gov.au
LinkedIn: Jessica Cleaver
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