Prior to migrating to Australia in 2010, Jay worked in the Canadian oil and gas sector. He relocated on a Distinguished Talent Visa, supported by the Winter Olympic Institute of Australia, and is a World Championship curler who continues to represent Australia at national and international competitions.

Jay completed his undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Lethbridge. He later attended Bond University, where he obtained a Juris Doctor, a Master of Business Law, and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, before completing the Bar Practice Course in 2017.

Before coming to the Bar, Jay served for eight years as a sworn police officer in Queensland, including in Sergeant and Senior Sergeant roles. He most recently served as Officer in Charge of Police Prosecutions in Mackay, overseeing the Sarina, Mackay, Proserpine, and Bowen court jurisdictions. He concluded this role in 2022 before transitioning to private practice, initially in Brisbane and now on the Gold Coast.

Jay is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law at Bond University, where he coordinates undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a particular focus on evidence law. He is also co-host of the Justice Matters true crime podcast and is an avid scuba diver.