This year, we’re celebrating the College of Law’s 50th anniversary.
And what better way to mark the occasion than by highlighting the diverse and impressive careers of our graduates?
Jess Popple, Senior Associate at Pippa Colman Family Law, has become something of a rising star in her field.
Since completing her PLT and a postgraduate qualification at the College, Jess has won the Queensland Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year Award – and served on numerous boards and associations.
But it’s the human aspect of family law that’s been most fulfilling for Jess – the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives during their most difficult times.
Read on to hear her story.
Q: Hi Jess! Can you tell us how you got into law?
I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer but was daunted by the idea of moving to a big city. So when the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) started its law program, I was thrilled!
I was part of the first cohort when the course launched. We were lucky enough to work closely with Ann-Maree David, the Executive Director at the College of Law Brisbane. She was such an amazing support to us all and has become an invaluable mentor over the years. She’s actually the reason I chose to do my PLT at the College!
A small firm from the Noosa Hinterland reached out to me while I was finishing my PLT, and I ended up working for them as a paralegal. Then, once I was admitted, I became a general practice lawyer. I got to try a bit of everything – but it was the family law cases that really interested me.
After about 2 years at the firm, and due to the pressures of the pandemic, I was made redundant. But I decided to use this as an opportunity to deepen my expertise. I enrolled in a Master of Applied Law (Family Law) at the College, then got a role at Pippa Colman Family Law a few weeks later, which is where I still am today.
It was hard work completing my studies alongside my new job, but it was so worth it.
I love it here and can see myself staying until retirement!
Q: What drew you to family law?
It’s funny, when I was a student, I was dead set against family law because I thought I’d get too emotionally involved with clients.
But once I’d gained some professional experience, I realised it was the human element that made this area of law so interesting. You have to be understanding and empathetic. You really get to use your soft skills.
And yes, you need to give your clients tough advice sometimes, which is hard. But you also get to help them through a difficult period. It’s an area where you can really make a difference in people’s lives.
Q: What was your experience of studying law?
I loved it. If I could do it all again, I would!
Because we were the first group at UniSC to do the law program, we were a small cohort. So a lot of the people I met at university are still my best friends.
That camaraderie continued through my PLT.
We were lucky because the College of Law came to UniSC to do in-person sessions on campus. A lot of PLT programs are online, but I really benefitted from that face-to-face group learning.
My master’s was a bit different because it was during COVID, so it was all online. But I still got to meet people from diverse legal backgrounds, each at a different stage in their career. It was great to hear their different perspectives.
I loved being able to focus on exactly what I wanted to learn. From child protection law to complex parenting matters, I was able to explore so many niche areas.
Q: Are there any milestones or achievements you’re particularly proud of?
In 2022, I was awarded Emergent Woman Lawyer of the Year by the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland. I was actually on the Association when I was at university, so it was incredible to be recognised by them once I graduated.
The other standout is becoming President of our local law association.
The law association was such a huge supporter of the UniSC law school, so to be the first UniSC graduate to become President was amazing.
Q: What advice do you have for students pursuing a legal career?
Firstly, I’d say get involved as early as you can at university – whether that’s going to law student association events, joining the committee or volunteering at community legal services.
Join a district law association, too. It’ll allow you to meet professionals working in the field and show employers you care about your community.
And finally, be sure to make time for yourself once you’re working in the field.
It’s all very well being super studious and working hard to impress your employers. But if you have a hobby or personal commitment after work that you consistently miss because you’re working late, your mental health could take a hit.
When I played AFL, for example, I block out my calendar on Tuesday and Thursday nights and make sure I have no late client meetings because I know I want to be on time for training. If I didn't do that, I'd inevitably work late and burn myself out.
Having those times blocked out just for you is so important.
Q: Where’s Next for you?
I’d like to pursue Independent Children’s Lawyer Training at some point in the next year or two.
Then, I’ve got my eye on the College’s Legal Practice Management Course (LPMC). I want to become a partner at my firm one day and I’ve heard great things from friends who’ve completed the program.
Interested in pursuing family law like Jess? Learn more today.
