Jessica McKeegan Jensen has over 26 years experience as an attorney and paralegal. She has practiced law in Washington and Maine and spent 7 years as a manager in state government. Ms. Jensen is licensed in Washington and Maine and holds degrees from the University of Maine School of Law (J.D.), the University of Vermont (B.A. Economics) and Woodbury College (Paralegal Studies). Active in community affairs, Ms. Jensen is a Trustee for the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and serves as Chair of the Legislative Committee.

Areas of Practice

Ms. Jensen’s primary areas of practice are business, real estate, family law, and estate planning/probate. She’s a former title abstractor, contracts administrator and real estate manager. She has tried numerous cases involving contracts, family law and real estate. While she actually enjoys the courtroom, she advocates that “going to court” should be a last resort “when you’re backed against a wall and it’s your only reasonable choice.” Jessica utilizes collaboration, negotiation and mediation where possible to avoid protracted and costly litigation. Reported real estate decision: Fullerton v. Knox County Commissioners, 586 A.2d 392 (Maine 1996) (condemnation of avigation easement).

Teaching and Publications

Ms. Jensen taught for many years in the University of Washington’s postgraduate paralegal and contracts management programs and Central Washington University’s prelaw program. She has been on the faculty of NBI and Lorman continuing legal education seminars on real estate issues. Jessica has presented numerous seminars on business and real estate topics for organizations such as Enterprise for Equity, The Evergreen State College Extension, Key4Women, National Association for Professional Mortgage Women, Small Business Development Center, Thurston County Economic Development Council, and Thurston County Realtors Association. Ms. Jensen has written for the Business Examiner and had regular columns in Olympia’s Green Pages and The Sitting Duck.

Professional Affiliations

Capitol Leads Network (2004-present)
Sound Collaboration (Director, 2004-present)
Thurston County Chamber of Commerce (Board of Trustees, 2007-present)
Washington State and Thurston County Bar Associations
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Community Service

Jessica provides volunteer services to several nonprofit organizations, including the Black Hills Audubon Society, Black Lake Grange, Thurston County Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise for Equity, Olympia Contra Dance Community, Puget Sound Wellness Association, Small Business Resource Center, and Thurston County Progressive Network. She is a founding member and Director of Sound Collaboration, a nonprofit engaged in promoting collaborative law.

Maintaining Balance

The old adage that “Law is a demanding mistress” remains true. Jessica works hard but plays hard too. She is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, musician and singer. She is a member of several music groups including Constellation’s Crew, the official band of the USS Constellation. She performs regularly throughout the Northwest and at special events around the US and Canada and appears on several CD’s.