About us
A COMMITMENT
TO JUSTICE
At Brightstone Defence, we are dedicated to providing premium legal representation and support to those facing criminal charges. Our team of experienced criminal defence lawyers is committed to defending your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
EXPERIENCED LAWYERS
WITH A PROVEN
TRACK RECORD
Brightstone Defence is committed to providing honest, fair and professional legal services to people clients. Over the years, we have successfully helped clients to obtain the best outcome by achieving acquittals, downgraded charges and the lowest penalties.
Alex Cao's insight into the use of criminal evidence has changed the overall direction of many difficult cases. He has represented clients in many mainstream Australian news cases. In addition, Brightstone Defence has a long-term strategic cooperation with many well-known barristers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
"We protect your rights and provide practical, best legal solutions - we are committed to helping you resolve the legal issues you encounter."
Courts We Attend
WE COVER A RANGE
of Locations
Brightstone Defence primarily serve clients in Sydney. However, our experienced team is also available to assist clients in Canberra and across the nation, ensuring comprehensive legal services wherever you are.
Sydney CBD
Greater Sydney Area
Canberra
Australia Wide
24/7
ASSISTING POLICE
QUESTIONING
98%
CUSTOMER
Satisfaction
20+
PROFESSIONAL
TEAM OF LAWYERS
250+
SUCCESSFULLY
Defence PER YEAR
Partner
ALEX CAO
Alex Cao began his legal career with a strong focus on criminal defence. As a partner-level criminal lawyer early in his career, he successfully enforced the first contested Chinese judgment in the Supreme Court of Australia.
With over a decade of experience, Alex has represented clients in hundreds of complex criminal matters across New South Wales and other states. He is known for securing charge withdrawals, achieving not guilty verdicts, and negotiating minimal penalties. Many of his cases have attracted national media coverage across mainstream newspapers and television channels.
Alex manages over 200 matters annually and maintains a leading success rate across trials, bail applications, sentencing hearings and negotiations. As a partner at Brightstone Defence, he is committed to delivering clear, strategic and effective defence.
Read more
Our Team
Meet our lawyers
Ernest Chan
Special Counsel
Sharon Yu
Associate
Alex Zhao
Associate
Cherry Au-Yeung
Solicitor
Victoria Tsopanidis
Paralegal
Testimonials
WORLD CLASS
REPRESENTATION
100+ 5 Star Reviews
Personalised legal strategies tailored to each case
Recognised leaders in criminal defence law
Free initial consultation and case evaluation
Proven success in high-stakes and complex cases
Thank you to all the lawyers. Both Alexes are extremely professional and responsible. They provided professional judgments and sorted things out patiently. Many thanks to them! I recommend them!
Elton C
Ernest Chan has been my lawyer for the last two years, and has been incredible from start to finish. He’s knowledgeable, professional, and always took the time to explain things clearly. He genuinely cares, not just about the case, but about his clients. He’s a great lawyer and a great person. I’m so grateful for everything he’s done!
M Chalupka
I’m very grateful to Brightstone Legal for their professional and dedicated service. My lawyer, Ernest Chan, was extremely responsible and considerate. He took my future work requirements into account and successfully helped me achieve an outcome with no conviction, no final AVO, and no more bail. I highly recommend Brightstone to anyone seeking reliable and professional legal representation.
Rock L
I’m incredibly grateful to the team at Brightstone for their solid support during a recent criminal charge I faced. The outcome has exceeded my expectations. Brightstone Legal team guided me through every step of the process and underpinned my confidence that I needed. A special thank you to Mr. Alex Cao, Mr. Alex Zhao, and their dedicated team for their exceptional service.
Roy L
Alex and Sharon are highly professional, detail-oriented, and truly takes the time to understand the client’s perspective. He provides clear, practical, and well-considered legal advice based on deep expertise and experience. I genuinely felt supported and confident throughout the process. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and capable legal team, this firm is definitely a top choice.
Shaok L
Being involved in a legal case is not merely a challenging experience — it can be life-changing. Choosing the right legal team is not solely a matter of cost; it is, in many ways, a decision that can shape your future. Mr. Alex Cao and his team have demonstrated exceptional professionalism, drawing upon their extensive experience and expertise in criminal law.
Keyy
Excellent service from start to finish. Professional, responsive, and genuinely caring. Brightstone Legal made a stressful situation manageable. Highly recommend them for anyone needing reliable and knowledgeable legal support.
Liang F
I had an excellent experience with Brightstone Legal. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely dedicated to helping me. They communicated clearly, provided sound legal advice, and always made me feel supported throughout the entire process. I highly recommend Brightstone Legal to anyone in need of reliable and trustworthy legal representation.
Jeffrey Q
This law firm was a lifesaver during an incredibly stressful time as I’m facing serious charges. Alex and his team help me and provide thoughtful recommendations for my legal matter. The whole process was easy throughout and professional. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of trustworthy legal help.
Fengrui T
When you encounter any problems in life and need help, just look for these two lawyers. They will definitely do their best to help us, especially with criminal issues. Alex Cao, Alex Zhao, and Cherry (I've faced serious charges in the past.）If you have any legal problems, just contact them, they are the best choice! PERFECT!
David
Thankfully, with the patient support and detailed investigation by Lawyer Cao and his team, the case finally concluded with me being acquitted and released without charges. This case dragged on for two years—it was mentally and emotionally draining. But thanks to Lawyer Cao and his team, who didn’t give up even after losing the first trial, I was eventually found not guilty at the final ...
Lyt
Brightstone Legal. Mr Alex Cao of Brightstone Legal and his team guided me through every steps of my case, they are experienced, effective and efficient. Delivered results beyond and above everyone’s expectations. I am really grateful to have the chance to hire him and received help from his team. I recommend this already highly reputable law firm to everyone!
XNN
I’m extremely grateful to Lawyer Cherry for helping my boyfriend achieve a very favorable outcome. Cherry and Alex Zhao were both very attentive, taking the time to clearly explain the process and provide us with detailed and professional legal advice. Their dedication made us feel confident that we had chosen the right lawyers and placed our trust in the right people. Thank you!
Venus C
I considered myself is very lucky to have Alex Cao as my lawyer and work with his team over the past several months. Alex Cao is excellent lawyer who is highly competent legal practitioner. He and his team showed great dedication, professionalism and compassion throughout my case. Huge appreciation to Alex Cao who spent a lot of time on my matter and successfully got the best possible outcome ...
Xuefeng L
I am truly very thankful to Brightstone’s Lawyer Alex Cao. Mr Cao and his team were extremely professional, not only in their legal knowledge but also in patiently answering all of our questions. They demonstrated great patience, approachability, and empathy throughout the process, and paid close attention to every detail. Finally we achieved the best possible outcome for our case.
Hannah H
First of all, I would like to thank Alex Cao from Brightstone Legal. My case isn’t an easy one, I was set up by my ex partner, it was stressful and heart broken. The amazing lawyer, Alex Cao went above and beyond to assist with the matter. He was professional, knowledgeable, and always available to answer any questions I had. He took lot of efforts and finally managed to achieve best outcome!
Rachel Y
Extremely professional legal services — thank you Lawyer Alex Cao and his team. I was very fortunate to have found Alex Cao right at the moment I encountered difficulties. With his help, I was able to avoid many complicated problems and resolve a major crisis. Over the course, Lawyer Cao not only provided me with legal assistance, but also offered emotional support that helped me pull through.
Jason G
When I was facing difficulties and feeling overwhelmed, the team at Brightstone Legal provided me with immediate and professional assistance. From the receptionist to Criminal Lawyer Alex Cao patiently organising the key points of my case and providing precise legal analysis. They not only fought for my best interests but also helped me save 70% of my legal fees. I’m truly grateful ...
Elizabeth W
Sharon Yu was efficient, organised and kept it simple. She adapted quickly to an unfamiliar situation and she ensured, given unfamiliarity, to be well-prepared. She helped me get through a legal matter, cared and did a thorough job. Her assistants also. I recommend Sharon Yu and Brightsone Legal to any person needing legal assistance and advice.
Caitlin G
Alex Cao has demonstrated excellent professionalism and competence, second to none. Through his intelligence, dedication, skills, and in collaboration with Angela Cook, they've restored my life back in order.
Jason C
Compared several legal institutes, I am very glad I finally made this right choice. Thanks very much for Alex Cao's excellent service as my solicitor. He is so professional, nice and patient with a silver tongue and a very quick thinking under different situations. Highly recommend!
Alan
A huge thanks to Alex, He made such a thorough effort for my case giving me a great result at the end of my trial, Alex is very nice, patient and has a great attention to detail, I highly recommend anyone to seek legal advice with brightstone!!!
Tobias S
To Alex Zhao and Alex Cao, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your outstanding legal expertise and dedication. Your relentless efforts, attention to detail, and unwavering support have been instrumental in resolving my case successfully. Your professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being have left a lasting impact. Thank you for being exemplary legal advocates.
J
I was facing a legal situation that was causing me a lot of stress and uncertainty, and I am so grateful to have found Alex Cao. His team was professional, attentive, and genuinely caring about my situation. I wholeheartedly recommend Alex Cao to anyone in need of top-notch legal assistance. Their professionalism, knowledge, communication, and genuine care for their clients set them apart.
LIANG W
Brightstone legal team provides excellent and professional service for us and help us to achieve the best outcome. We really appreciate the help from Brightstone legal team especially Alex Cao. We will highly recommend to anyone if they need any legal help.
Iris K
Alex zhao and Alex cao are very professional and responsible, excellent analysis and handling of the case, and got the best result! The best lawyer I've ever seen in Sydney!
Tony
I am deeply grateful to Attorney Cao (Alex) and his team for their professional, compassionate, and knowledgeable representation. They helped me obtain a favorable court result and I am confident that justice has been served. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs legal assistance.
Jimmy L
I'm really appreciate Alex as well as Sharon who took over my case from a year ago. Not only have they developed effective strategies coping my court case, but they also helped me achieved unexpected result, which won't affect my visa and potential permanent residency, and I'm grateful to what they have put a lot effort into in the last year.
Humphrey B
It's an incredibly professional and efficient team that saved me from the very beginning. A big thank you to Alex Zhao and the entire team for their hard work and dedication.
Milos P
I am truly honored to have received help from Alex and his team. With their support, I was able to achieve the best possible outcome in the shortest time and lowest cost. Throughout the entire process, the team maintained highly efficient communication, patently and thoroughly explaining and analyzing every detail ...
Lei Z
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