Jessica is the lead lawyer in Donaldson Law’s ADF entitlements practice. She works with current and former Australian Defence Force members who need help with retrospective medical discharge applications, invalidity benefits and other complex superannuation and service related entitlements.

Her work often involves untangling decisions made many years ago and asking whether they properly reflected a person’s health and capacity at the time they left the ADF. Jessica helps veterans and families understand how the ADF, Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) and Department of Veterans’ Affairs systems fit together then builds a clear path through the evidence, paperwork and waiting periods.

Before becoming a lawyer Jessica worked in contract management and project coordination for Australian and international organisations. That background shows up in her legal practice: she is methodical, organised and comfortable managing the detailed requirements of administrative and compensation schemes.

Having grown up in South West Queensland and worked across industries that affect rural communities and small businesses, Jessica brings a grounded perspective to her work. She is used to speaking with people who are juggling health, family, work and financial pressure and who may not live close to major services.

Clients and colleagues describe Jessica as calm, steady and thorough. She takes time to explain processes in plain language, sets realistic expectations about timeframes and focuses on making each step as manageable as possible while still advancing the matter. Within the team she contributes to developing precedents and strategies for ADF entitlements matters so that DL’s values of collegiality, care, clarity, accountability and innovation are reflected in how this work is done.

Jessica also writes for Donaldson Law’s Knowledge Centre on topics such as retrospective medical discharge and invalidity benefits, providing practical guidance for veterans and families who are starting to explore their options.