Jessica Higgins (née Frame)
Senior Associate, Ōtepoti | Dunedin
LL.B, B.A, University of Otago

Jessica is a Senior Associate in our Employment team and is based out of the Dunedin office. Jessica specialises in advising on employment matters including employment agreements and policies, disciplinary matters, redundancies and personal grievances. Jessica has a special interest in education law within the employment law space, and regularly advises principals and school boards.
Jessica graduated in 2012 from the University of Otago, with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in History). Jessica was admitted to the bar in May 2013.
Jessica is the co-convenor of the Otago Women’s Law Society and a Board Member of Knox and Salmond College. Outside of work, Jessica is passionate about yoga and is a qualified yoga instructor.
Publications
- Siouxsie Wiles case highlights employer’s health and safety obligations
- Navigating the Intersection of Personal and Professional Relationships
- Today FM saga raises numerous employment issues
- Alternative working arrangements post the Omicron peak
- High Court Rules Police and Defence Force Vaccine Mandate is Unlawful
- Court of Appeal overturns decision on discretionary payments
- Court of Appeal overturns decision on discretionary payments
- Duty to consult, behave in good faith with employees
- Case round up: Gate Gourmet Appeal and Vaccination Case
- Employment Court Ruling on employee / contractor
- Builders beware – your contractors may actually be employees
- How to legally terminate redundant employees
- Fair Pay Agreement Plan Announced
- New Public Service Act and Workforce Assurance Model Standards
- New COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment
- COVID-19 Leave Support Scheme extension
- The cannabis referendum – what does it mean for workplace drug testing?
- Employment Obligations during Alert Levels 2 and 3
- What are your obligations under the Children’s Act 2014?
- Wage Subsidy Extension
- Wage Subsidy Extension
- Understanding leave entitlements during COVID-19