Jessica Welch

Jessica joined the firm as a trainee in September 2013 and was promoted to Partner in April 2025. Jessica’s practice focuses on media disputes and reputation protection. Jessica advises high profile individuals and corporate clients in the media and entertainment industries on defamation, privacy, harassment and data protection issues, and on copyright and contractual disputes.

In the defamation/reputation management space, Jessica advises clients on pre- and post- publication matters and she has experience in handling cases for high profile / high net worth individuals and for corporates from a broad range of sectors including healthcare, banking, pharmaceuticals, the oil and gas industries, charities and gaming. The work often involves dealing with sensitive issues and Jessica helps clients to protect and manage their reputations from a legal perspective, particularly in the face of media scrutiny.

On the intellectual property side, Jessica works with individuals and corporates from a broad range of industries including music, gaming, television and publishing. Jessica provides advice on copyright, royalty disputes, performers’ rights, false endorsement and passing off. Prior to joining the firm’s partnership, she acted as the lead associate on cases which were litigated in the Copyright Tribunal, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. She also advises on alternative dispute resolution and settlement.

Across both areas of her practice, Jess has worked on cases in the Copyright Tribunal, the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Jessica is noted by clients as "really stand[ing] out", as being "impress[ive]" with one client reporting that "Jessica writes a killer letter. She is intelligent, practical, commercial and lovely to work with."

Her legal commentary has been sought by international media platforms on the potentially defamatory elements of the Netflix show, "Baby Reindeer". She provided commentary to The Independent newspaper, and has appeared as the legal expert on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio and on “Piers Morgan Uncensored”. Jessica’s legal expertise has also been sought by the Mail Online, HELLO! Magazine and ICLG on ongoing media cases.