Civil Litigation · British Columbia

Steady ground to stand on.

Jessica Hames Law helps survivors of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence pursue civil claims against their assailants — and helps families navigate what comes next. You set the pace. We handle the rest.

Confidential from the first call
Trauma-informed, at your pace
No fee unless we recover, for eligible claims
About Jessica

A lawyer who listens first.

Jessica Hames founded her practice to give survivors a clear, grounded path toward accountability — one that respects how much courage it takes to come forward. Her litigation work centres on civil claims arising from sexual assault, sexual abuse, and intimate partner violence, alongside a family law practice built on the same careful, trauma-informed approach.

Jessica is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and is committed to a practice where clients of every identity and background are met with respect.

Every consultation is confidential. You set the pace — Jessica will never rush you toward a decision before you're ready.

At a glance

  • Experienced trial lawyer
  • Civil and family law litigation
  • Focus: sexual battery, sexual assault, tort of family violence, other intentional torts, negligence
  • Member, Law Society of British Columbia, called in 2016
  • Based in Victoria, B.C., serving clients province-wide
  • Regular court appearances and client meetings in Vancouver and throughout B.C.
Court Experience

A record built in the courtroom.

Jessica has extensive experience arguing chambers applications and taking cases through to trial in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. A selection of published decisions:

M.R.P. v. Smith 2025 BCSC 1002
Espinoza v. Piperni 2021 BCSC 416
Cottrell v. Bates 2019 BCSC 1992
Fancello v. Cupskey 2019 BCSC 1724

Full decisions are published on CanLII, a free public database of Canadian court judgments.

Practice Areas

Two ways we help.

Civil Claims for Survivors

Tort litigation

  • Civil suits against an assailant for sexual assault or abuse
  • Claims arising from intimate partner violence
  • Free, confidential 20-minute consultation to start
  • Contingency fee arrangements available for qualifying cases
Family Law

Family law litigation

  • High-conflict separation and divorce
  • Family property division — including unequal property division for family violence survivors
  • Parenting arrangements & guardianship
  • Protection orders
  • Other matters that intersect with family violence
How Fees Work

Straightforward, upfront.

Hourly billing
$400/hr
For family law matters, and for clients who prefer to be billed hourly.
Contingency fee
33.3%
For eligible civil claims. No fee unless we recover — you only pay if your case succeeds.
Free consultation
20 min
For survivors of sexual assault, abuse, or intimate partner violence considering a civil claim.

Contingency arrangements are set out in a written retainer agreement in accordance with Law Society of British Columbia rules. Fees vary by case type — your consultation will cover what applies to you.

Get In Touch

Reach out when you're ready.

There's no pressure and no obligation. Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything — it's simply a chance to ask questions and see if this is the right fit.

This form does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Submitting it simply opens an email to our office.