The ALS (NSW/ACT) was created in 2006, when the 6 ATSILSs that had previously served the state came together to form one statewide service. The new Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited commenced operations on 1 July 2006.

Prior to the formation of the ALS in 2006, the service was provided by six regionally based Aboriginal Legal Services, one in each of the old ATSIC regions of NSW. One of those services was the Western Aboriginal Legal Service, which was one of the oldest Indigenous organisations in NSW, having commenced in November 1978.