Jess Hamdorf

Jess specialises in many aspects of environment, planning, and public law, and is individually recognised as a leading Planning & Environment lawyer in Western Australia by Doyle's Guide, having been named a Rising Star in the same field in 2023. She joined McLeod Fisher & Hamdorf in 2015 and the firm's directorship in 2023.

Jess represents clients in the State Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court in appealing subdivision and development application refusals, appealing the issuing of various planning notices, disputes regarding developer contribution plans and public and private nuisance. She also represents clients in relation to planning and environmental prosecutions. She has specific experience in advising and representing clients on issues related to the compulsory taking of land for public works, the decommissioning of oil and gas assets, contamination of land and developer contribution plans. 

In addition to her litigation work, Jess has advised on a range of general commercial matters, including drafting and negotiating commercial leases and licences and deeds of agreement. She is experienced in advising on matters of statutory interpretation, the implications of proposed statutory amendments, and the creation of public submissions in relation to proposed developments.

Jess is the Past President of the National Environmental Law Association, has served as a committee member of the Law Council of Australia's Australian Planning and Environment Law Practice Section, and was awarded the 2021 Mahla Pearlman Australian Young Environmental Lawyer of the Year award. She has also tutored in town planning and environmental law at Murdoch University and mining law at the University of Western Australia.

Jess holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Political Science and International Relations) from the University of Western Australia.