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Alex Cao is a partner criminal defence lawyer at Brightstone Defence, handling complex cases across NSW. With over a decade of experience, he is known for achieving high success rates, securing favourable outcomes, and providing clients with clear, effective legal representation.

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Partner Lawyer

Alex Cao

Alex Cao began his legal career focusing on criminal defence and quickly distinguished himself by successfully enforcing the first contested Chinese judgment in the Supreme Court of Australia. Over more than a decade, he has represented clients in hundreds of complex criminal matters, demonstrating strategic, effective, and client-focused advocacy.

As a partner at Brightstone Defence, Alex manages over 200 matters annually, including domestic violence, sexual assault, drug, traffic, and proceeds of crime cases. He is recognised for securing charge withdrawals, achieving not guilty verdicts, and negotiating minimal penalties, often attracting national media coverage.

Committed to delivering exceptional representation, Alex combines extensive trial experience with a strategic approach to bail applications, sentencing hearings, and negotiations, ensuring clients receive clear, practical legal guidance.

02 9223 1999

Professional Experience

Partner, Brightstone Defence – overseeing 200+ criminal matters per year, including domestic violence, sexual assault, drug offences, traffic matters, and proceeds of crime cases.
Successfully represented high-profile clients and complex cases attracting national and community media attention.
Continuous 7-year track record of winning final domestic violence matters.
Successfully represented both Australian and international celebrities in domestic violence defences.
Maintains one of the highest not guilty rates in domestic violence defence cases.
Recognised by multiple mainstream Australian newspapers (2023–2025) as an “industry-leading” criminal defence lawyer.
Collaborates strategically with leading barristers and Queen’s Counsel across New South Wales.
Expertise in trial strategy, evidence analysis, bail applications, sentencing, and negotiations.
Consistently achieves charge withdrawals, not guilty verdicts, and minimal penalties for clients.

Key Achievements

Media Highlights

Understanding Sexual Consent: Why It Matters for Everyone

Alex Cao was invited by the Australian Government and SBS to contribute to a national project on sexual consent, reflecting his expertise in sexual offence law and community education. His involvement highlights Brightstone Defence’s commitment to public awareness and responsible discourse around consent.‍

Celebrity Cleared of Assault Allegation After Strong Legal Defence

Representing public figure Charlie Goldsmith, Alex Cao secured dismissal of all assault charges. The case demonstrated the importance of context, proportionality, and credibility in high-profile assault matters, highlighting Brightstone Defence’s expertise in managing complex, publicised cases.‍

Turning a False Allegation into a Landmark Case Law Decision

Alex Cao led a strategic defence that resulted in a groundbreaking legal precedent regarding remote witness testimony. The ruling, now incorporated into Australian case law, affirms that courts should not accept testimony from witnesses who deliberately evade jurisdiction, shaping future criminal procedure.‍

Unlawful Search Leads to Dismissal of $3 Million Tobacco Possession Case

Alex Cao successfully challenged the legality of a police search in a major customs matter involving 1.2 tonnes of untaxed tobacco. All charges were dismissed, emphasising the importance of procedural fairness and proper evidence handling in criminal law.‍

Sexual Assault Trial Fails on Day One After Key Police Mistake

Alex Cao exposed key evidentiary flaws on the first day of trial, leading to the immediate withdrawal of serious sexual assault charges. This result ended two and a half years of legal uncertainty for the client and highlighted the firm’s precision in pre-trial advocacy.‍

Section 66EA Case Ends in Record-Low Sentence

In a historically serious child sexual offence case, Alex Cao secured the lowest sentence ever recorded under section 66EA for contested charges. The court accepted evidence of remorse, rehabilitation, and mitigating factors, setting a new benchmark in sentencing outcomes for complex historical cases.‍

Defending a Senior Therapist: Overcoming False Sexual Assault Claims

Alex Cao led the defence of a professional therapist falsely accused of sexual assault during treatment. Expert evidence confirmed the contact was therapeutic, not sexual, demonstrating Brightstone Defence’s ability to distinguish legitimate professional conduct from criminal intent.‍

Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of Technology Sydney
Admitted to practice, Supreme Court of New South Wales

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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

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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.

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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