Jessica was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She received her first law degree in Hamburg, then a Masters degree in Comparative Law from the University of San Diego, CA and a Ph.D. in International Law from the University of Hamburg. Jessica clerked at the Hamburg Superior Court and at BWS, one of Germany’s largest law firms, focusing on business law and intellectual property law. After a legal assignment with the German Consulate in Boston, she moved to Vermont in 1997. From 1997- 2001, Jessica worked in the Legal Department of IDX, negotiating software contracts and handling corporate issues. In 2002, Jessica began practicing law at Collins, McMahon & Harris, where she focuses on corporate law, wills and estates and equine law. Jessica is admitted to practice in Vermont and Hamburg, Germany.

Jessica is the official legal council for the Vermont Horse Council and member of the Vermont Equine Industry Committee (VEIC). In addition to practicing law Jessica enjoys giving presentations (Everything Equine, Miner Institute) and lectures (UVM) on equine related issues and Equine Law. She is a passionate dressage and trail rider and runs a private stable (www.bigfootranch.com) in Colchester, where she lives with her family.