Charleen began her legal career with admission to the Philippine Bar in 2010, after completing a Juris Doctor from Lyceum of the Philippines and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from De La Salle University.

In 2013, she was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia, further enhancing her qualifications with a Master of Laws (Migration Law) from the Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Australian Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of Technology, Sydney.

Jesil is a highly motivated and client-focused lawyer, admitted to the New Zealand Bar in 2020 and subsequently as a solicitor in New South Wales and the High Court of Australia in 2023. Her practice is broad and robust, covering litigation, family law, migration, property, conveyancing, and wills and estates. Notably, her prior experience as a preschool principal in New Zealand for over five years has honed her communication and problem-solving abilities, which she applies effectively in her legal practice.

In addition to her legal work, Jesil is a prominent radio and broadcast journalist, hosting the community-oriented program “Culture Connection Australia” on SWR 99.9FM. Her commitment to service is recognised through the 2022 Naomi Taylor Award for pro bono contributions, the 2021 Radio Personality Award, and recommendation from the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand for her support of migrant communities. Jesil is multilingual, with fluency in English, Filipino, and Bisaya, as well as basic Dutch.