Courtesy of the Manning River Times 2 March 2016
Jessica Mackay has put away some of the worst drug dealers and pedophiles as a federal prosecutor, and now she is joining Stacks Law Firm in Taree as a top criminal lawyer.
She’s learned all the tricks of the trade as a senior prosecutor for the federal government, but at Stacks she’ll be changing tack and working to defend people caught up in the legal system.
“It’s not unusual for specialists in criminal law to work in both defence and prosecution since they are two sides of the same legal field,” she said.
“I have seen many people come before the courts who needed expert legal representation. After many years working with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney-General’s Department I’m really looking forward to using my experience to help people in Taree.”
Ms Mackay, 34, has prosecuted some of the toughest cases including four defendants charged with importing 500 kilos of heroin and ice. She has also dealt with people charged with money laundering, people smuggling, fraud, child pornography, assault and other serious crimes.
In 2011 the government sent her to Afghanistan to formulate a legal agreement with the United States military so that members of the Australian Civilian Corp could work in the war torn country.
Ms Mackay graduated from Griffith University and the Australian National University before doing a Masters degree in Holland. On top of all that, she speaks fluent Japanese and has worked in Tokyo.
“I’m thrilled to be moving to Taree with my partner who is a doctor and working here as a GP. It’s quite a tree change from living in Redfern in inner city Sydney, but I have already found some great cafes and restaurants and the country around here is just so beautiful. Oh, and house prices are so much better.
“I’ve had some tips on the best beaches and I look forward to throwing myself into local community life.”
Justin Stack, managing director of the Stacks Law Firm, is thrilled to welcome Jessica Mackay to Taree.
“Jessica brings enormous experience in criminal law to Stacks and she will enable the firm to offer a wider service of legal expertise to our clients,” Mr Stack said.