Five minutes with Jessica Trappel, Principal Solicitor at the Aboriginal Legal Service’s new Employment Law service

Published January 2024

Jessica Trappel is the Principal Solicitor of the Civil Law Practice at the Aboriginal Legal Service. She has practised in civil law for over a decade and has experience across the community justice and government sectors. Before starting at the Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS), Jess worked as Senior Solicitor in the Civil Law Division at Legal Aid NSW, and previously at the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency in Darwin.

Jess says “I came to the ALS so that I could contribute to achieving social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, families, and communities through the implementation of our new Civil Law Practice. I am passionate about civil law, and the significant impact that it can have on the everyday lives of clients and communities. I’m excited and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to grow the ALS’s Civil Law Practice and contribute to the meaningful work the ALS does.

Can you tell us a bit about your new Employment Law Service and how it came about? 

The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) (ALS) launched its new Employment Law Service in October 2023. This is the first specialist sexual harassment and discrimination legal advice service in NSW that’s for all Aboriginal workers and run by an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation.

The service is funded by the Federal Government, in response to the recommendations of the Respect@Work Report: National Inquiry into Sexual Harassment in Australian Workplaces (2020).

When should someone contact the service? 

Our service offers free and confidential legal advice to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees working in any industry/profession in NSW. 

While our primary focus is on sexual harassment and discrimination, we also provide support in relation to other kinds of workplace mistreatment like underpayment, unjust termination, and other rights at work. 

In most cases, we can help people faster over the phone than by email. Individuals can call us on 1800 765 767 (free call) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, or email civil@alsnswact.org.au, or visit our website to find your nearest ALS office.

How can people support the Aboriginal Legal Service?

Volunteer: Since 1970, the ALS has been able to grow because of volunteers lending their skills and time in the fight for justice. Most volunteer roles at the ALS are for law students and others with legal skills, but we also have a limited number of volunteer opportunities in other areas of the organisation. Please visit our website to express your interest in volunteering, or get in touch directly with your nearest ALS office.

Donate: When you support the ALS you’re standing with Aboriginal people in their fight for justice. Every dollar you donate is used in fighting for a fair go in court and pushing for reform of laws that harm our communities.

Work with us: The ALS is growing, so there’s never been a better time to check out the job opportunities on our website, and sign up to be notified of new opportunities by email.

Take action: The ALS regularly advocates for changes to our legal system to achieve justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See our website to find out about our latest priorities and how you can support