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Sharon Yu is an experienced criminal and traffic lawyer with a broad legal background, skilled in managing complex cases, developing strategic defence plans, and providing clear guidance to clients while consistently achieving favourable outcomes.
Senior Associate
Sharon Yu
Sharon Yu is a Senior Associate at Brightstone Defence, specialising in criminal defence and traffic law in the Australian Capital Territory.
Based in Canberra, Sharon represents clients across a broad range of criminal matters, from police investigations and bail applications to serious and complex criminal proceedings. She regularly appears in the ACT Magistrates Court and ACT Supreme Court and has acted in matters involving significant evidentiary, procedural and strategic issues.
Fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese, Sharon also regularly assists Chinese-speaking clients navigating the ACT criminal justice system, providing direct and culturally informed legal representation without the barriers that can arise through interpretation.
Professional Experience
Sharon’s practice is focused on ACT criminal defence and traffic law, with experience across both summary and indictable proceedings.
Her criminal defence experience includes matters involving:
- Serious and indictable criminal offences
- Assault and offences against the person
- Domestic and family violence matters
- Sexual offences
- Drug offences
- Fraud and dishonesty offences
- Bail applications
- Police investigations and interviews
- Sentencing proceedings
- Serious traffic and driving offences
- Drink and drug driving
Serious and High-Profile Criminal Proceedings
Sharon has acted in serious criminal proceedings before the ACT courts, including matters that have attracted substantial media and community attention.
Key Achievements
- Successfully managed complex ACT criminal matters resulting in reduced charges or penalties.
- Achieved favourable outcomes in traffic offence cases through strategic case handling.
- Assisted clients across multiple legal areas, ensuring efficient resolution of matters.
Success Cases
Media Reports on Baby Formula Case Defended by Brightstone Defence
Sharon Yu represented Yuzhe Huang in the ACT Magistrates Court in a case involving the purchase of stolen baby formula. She successfully presented mitigating factors including the client’s cooperation, lack of prior criminal history, and financial stress. The court imposed a $2,000 fine and an 18-month good behaviour order, emphasising proportionality and fairness.
This matter was reported by The Daily Telegraph.
Education and Qualifications
- Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Australian National University
- Admitted to practice, Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory
Our Team
Meet our lawyers
Alex Cao
Principal Partner
Ernest Chan
Special Counsel
Alex Zhao
Associate
Cherry Au-Yeung
Associate
Victoria Tsopanidis
Paralegal
Testimonials
WORLD CLASS
REPRESENTATION
190+ 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
I recently had my matter handled by Ernest from Brightstone Defence, he helped me get the best possible outcome. and I’m very grateful for his support and the result we achieved. Ernest was very professional, responsive, and clearly very dedicated, he went above and beyond (working late the night before court), which I truly appreciate. His advice was practical and reassuring, and the ...
Adrian Y
Ernest is the best lawyer i have ever seen, he is patient, professional and considerated. He knows so well about the legal process and gave me good suggestions. I was so panic at the beginning of the case but with his help i found that the situation was not as bad as i thought and finally he nailed the case with very good result. Strongly recommend and feel it was a right decision to trust him.
Serena T
I had a very good experience with Brightstone Defence. They helped me with my traffic accident case and achieved the best possible result for me. I really appreciate all the effort their team put into my case. Especially Ernest Chan, who showed a very professional attitude from the beginning preparation until the final result. He explained things clearly and always answered my questions patient ..
Jason Y
I am truly grateful to Brightstone Defence for all their help and support during a very stressful time in my life. Ernest Chan was incredibly dedicated, patient, and detail-oriented throughout the entire process. He handled my case with great professionalism and efficiency, and thanks to his hard work, everything was resolved smoothly and quickly. I would also like to sincerely thank Alex Cao ...
Hemei F
I had a very positive experience with Brightstone Defence. Their team was professional, responsive, and highly knowledgeable throughout the entire process. Especially Ernest Chan provided me with clear and accurate information promptly, which made everything straightforward. I truly appreciate their efficiency and professionalism. I would highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal services.
Kobil O
I send my deepest and most sincere gratitude to Ernest Chan of Brightstone Legal. To me, Mr Chan was not only an exceptionally professional and reliable lawyer, but truly MY LIFE SAVER. This was my first time appearing in court. The case arose from a police charge that was not factually sound and was accompanied by a highly restrictive order against me. At the time, the situation placed ...
Yang S
I am thankful for the criminal law team at Brightstone Legal for helping me with my matter, which has lasted almost one year. From the outset, Alex Cao had a plan and was instrumental in how the case should be run. Cherry, Alex Zhao, Sharon and Victoria also assisted in my case to a high degree and Ernest appeared in court and was able to argue my case and get it dismissed. It was an amazing ...
Kevin W
Navigating a legal case is a daunting challenge, especially for immigrants in Australia. Choosing the right legal team is a decision that can truly change the trajectory of your life. Brightstone Legal demonstrates exceptional professionalism, rooted in their profound expertise in criminal law. Their approach is comprehensive—from crafting overarching legal strategies to refining every ...
G Lee
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Brightstone Legal, especially to Mr. Alex Cao, for their exceptional support throughout my case. From the very beginning, I had no familiar lawyers to turn to and felt completely helpless. I searched online for a consultation, and from the first appointment, Alex Cao provided not only clear and professional legal guidance, but also genuine care ...
EEEDDD
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ernest Chan for everything he has done for me. He is not just a lawyer — he was the person who truly stood by me and fought for me during the most frightening and helpless period of my life.
My case was extremely serious at the beginning. The police charge caused enormous pressure and fear every single day. I was worried about my future, my studies ...
Peter R
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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