Meet the Legal Team at Northan Legal
Kevin Xu
Principal Solicitor (VIC)
Bachelor of Laws (Hons) & Bachelor of Finance (Australian National University)
Solicitor of High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of Victoria
Kevin Xu is an Australian Chinese who, having grown up in Australia, was admitted to the Australian National University with outstanding ATAR score, and completed his double degrees in Law (with Honors) and Finance.
Before establishing Northan Legal, Mr Xu worked in the Government Commercial Legal Team at Sparke Helmore Lawyers, one of Australia's leading law firms, where his practice focused on commercial law, corporate law, banking and finance, investment mergers and acquisitions, procurement law, and real estate transaction projects, displaying remarkable performance.
Throughout his career, he has shown particular expertise in handling legal affairs of front-end projects. In his legal support work in the field of mergers and acquisitions, Mr Xu played a pivotal role. Notably, his achievements include participating in Costco's land acquisition cases in Victoria and New South Wales, as well as managing the commercial property transactions of the large supermarket chain Woolworths. During these significant commercial transactions, he demonstrated sharp observation and exceptional professional skills.
Additionally, Mr Xu provided consultancy services to the Strategic Procurement Office of Monash University, actively participating in the management, service, and equipment tender for the Victorian Heart Hospital project, ensuring the integrity and probity of the entire tender process.
He also served as a legal advisor for the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, providing legal support for significant secondment tasks. During this time, Mr Xu was frequently in charge of investigating privacy breaches and cyber incidents, taking effective remedial actions to ensure compliance with the Privacy Act 1998 and other federal legislation.
Mr Xu is familiar with various commonwealth laws, including the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975. He has worked as ananalyst in different branches of the Foreign Investment Division of the Treasury, drafting key transaction execution terms, and handling foreign investment requests in commercial land, agricultural acquisitions, and mining rights. He has also efficiently negotiated foreign investment matters with federal agencies and state government departments.
Xin (Alex) Sun
Principal SOLICITOR (vic)
Mr. Xin Sun is a qualified practitioner in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the High Court of Australia. His practice encompasses various legal areas, with a focus on immigration law, family law, debt disputes, and a wide range of civil litigation.
Mr. Sun excels in representing clients at administrative arbitration tribunals and court hearings at all levels, bringing with him a wealth of practical experience. He has successfully handled a diverse array of both litigious and non-litigious cases, particularly demonstrating expertise in immigration appeals, family law matters, FIRB overseas investment applications in Australia, and family business succession.
In numerous complex cases, Mr. Sun has effectively assisted clients in resolving legal issues. This includes, but is not limited to, representing clients in disputes with banks arising from fraud cases, aiding clients in the preservation of assets seized by law enforcement, addressing cross-border marital property division, and assisting clients in regaining visa status after cancellations due to the provision of false documentation.
No matter the legal challenge you face, Mr. Sun is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal services, leveraging his professional knowledge and extensive experience.
Judy Zhou
Principal SOLICITOR (NSW)
Solicitor of High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of New South Wales | Legal Professional Qualification Certificate in the People's Republic of China | ACAMS Certified AML Specialist
2023 Lawyers Weekly 30 under 30 Criminal Law Winner | 2022 & 2023 Finance Monthly White-Collar Crime Defence Lawyer of the Year (Australia)
Judy Zhou distinguishes herself in the legal field with extensive litigation experience and exceptional professional expertise.
She specialises in criminal asset confiscation defense and litigation, criminal-civil hybrid cases, corporate crime compliance and investigations, commercial fraud, white-collar crime, and financial crime. Her talent and insight infuse each case with unique value.
Ms. Zhou is an ACAMS-certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist with extensive expertise in corporate compliance investigations, AUSTRAC regulatory frameworks, and related legal provisions. Her impressive track record includes defending white-collar crime cases, and conducting anti-money laundering and anti-corruption compliance investigations, including those with an international scope.
Ms. Zhou has also been instrumental in navigating complex cases involving corporate governance and tax-related offenses for financial institutions and international trade companies. Her work also encompasses litigation involving undisclosed assets and asset freezing for high-net-worth clients from China and Vietnam, and fraud allegations tied to the misuse of trust funds.
Ms. Zhou's exceptional expertise and specialised knowledge have earned her widespread respect and recognition within the legal industry. Her ability to navigate complex legal challenges with precision and her unwavering dedication to her clients' success solidify her reputation as a trusted and distinguished legal professional.
Prior to joining Northan Legal, Ms Zhou worked with one of the top-tier criminal defense law firms in Sydney as a senior lawyer. She was nominated by the UK Finance Monthly magazine as the Australian White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer of the Year and received this honour consecutively for two years (2022 and 2023). Additionally, Judy Zhou was the winner of Lawyers Weekly '30 under 30' Criminal Law Category in Australia, further highlighting her outstanding position in the industry.
Lingwei Kong
Criminal Defence Lawyer (NSW)
Mr Kong is a meticulous lawyer who has a deep understanding of criminal cases. During his time as a defense lawyer, he has handled massive cases beyond other lawyers. He is very conscientious and responsible for his clients, and has a high rate of sucess, which has allowed his clients to have their instructions well executed, and has allowed many of his clients to regain their freedom.
Mr Kong not only has sound connections with the police, prosecution and courts, but also has a number of senior barristers behind him to protect your case. Mr Kong greatly involved in Sydney's Chinese community, and has experience in all kinds of criminal cases regarding the Chinese clients. His experience will protect your privacy and enable you to return to your work and life without any hassle.
Wendy Zhang
Litigation Lawyer (NSW)
Wendy graduated from the University of Sydney with a Juris Doctor degree and completed her Bachelor of Finance and Accounting degree from the University of California, Irvine. She is a member of the New South Wales Law Society and a registered lawyer with the High Court of Australia.
Wendy began her career as an associate to her Honour Judge Gibson in the District Court of New South Wales, assisting her Honour in managing the civil lists involving defamation, contractual disputes, personal injury matters, and general commercial litigation. Previously, Wendy worked with the Rules Team at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), conducting jurisdictional assessments.
Her experience spans across litigation and regulatory frameworks, showcasing a robust understanding of legal complexities and dispute resolution. Additionally, Wendy has demonstrated exceptional skills in legal research, case management, and client advocacy, making her a versatile and valuable asset in any legal team. Her dedication to continuous professional development and her ability to navigate complex legal issues ensure she provides high-quality legal services to her clients.
Vivian Lee
Senior Commercial Lawyer (vic)
Juris Doctor (Chinese University of Hong Kong) | Graduate Diploma (Leo Cussen Centre for Law)
Vivian Lee is an experienced senior lawyer specialising in commercial and property law. She has a proven track record of advising clients on complex transactions, drafting a wide range of legal documents, and providing strategic corporate advisory services. Adept at negotiating commercial agreements and resolving disputes, Vivian is widely regarded for her strategic, practical, and results-driven approach, as well as her unwavering commitment to securing optimal client outcomes. Her dedication to community service is demonstrated through her volunteer leadership at the Red Cross, reflecting her strong ethical values.
Maria Guo
Senior Property Lawyer (NSW)
Maria Guo, a graduate of the University of New South Wales with a Juris Doctor degree, has a solid academic foundation for her professional expertise. With extensive experience at a renowned Australian property law firm, she has managed hundreds of property transactions and possesses broad expertise in property transactions, land development, land environment law, and property law. Maria's work includes handling complex cases such as intricate three-party transactions. Known for her outstanding professional knowledge and keen insights, she provides comprehensive legal services to help clients achieve success in the real estate sector.
Elaine Yang
Solicitor (VIC)
Elaine Yang is a dedicated lawyer specialising in commercial litigation and dispute resolution, with expertise in contract drafting and review, shareholder disputes, and business negotiations. She delivers practical and efficient legal solutions, focusing on safeguarding clients' best interests.
Ms Yang provides tailored legal advice to small and medium enterprises, as well as individual clients, helping them navigate complex commercial challenges. Fluent in Mandarin, English and Cantonese, she strives to ensure clear and effective communication, providing seamless support for all your legal needs.
Charley Tian
Solicitor (NSW)
Juris Doctor (Macquarie University) | Graduate Certificate in Migration Law (Australian National University) Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (College of Law)
Master of Media Practice & Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (University of Sydney)
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New South Wales | Registered Migration Agent
Charley Tian is a highly experienced legal professional specializing in Australian immigration law, with eight years of expertise across various visa categories. Her proficiency spans visitor visas, student visas, partner visas, skilled migration visas, employer-sponsored work visas, and investment visas.
Charley stands out for her ability to handle visa refusals and cancellations with exceptional skill. She offers strategic advice and guides clients through appeal processes, ensuring successful visa outcomes.
Maintaining strong relationships with Australian universities, employers, and businesses, Charley provides comprehensive support for those looking to study, work, or invest in Australia. She leverages these connections to offer unmatched guidance throughout the entire process.
In addition to her immigration law expertise, Charley has a solid background in student misconduct appeals and employment law, acquired over the past year. This diverse legal experience allows her to deliver well-rounded legal services, ensuring a seamless and successful immigration journey for her clients.
Peter Chen
Solicitor (VIC)
Bachelor of Law (Monash University) | Graduate Diploma (Leo Cussen Centre for Law)
Peter Chen is a recently qualified solicitor with an array of practical experience across conveyancing, commercial, litigation and family law disputes. Before his admission as a solicitor, Peter worked as a paralegal, supporting in a range of matters including contract drafting, property transactions and dispute resolution. As a newly qualified solicitor, Peter brings a fresh perspective and a well-rounded understanding of the legal profession, shaped by his diverse background across multiple disciplines.
Dolly Zeng
Law Graduate (NSW)
Bachelor of Laws & Bachelor of Science (Psychology) (University of Sydney)
Dolly Zeng is a paralegal in Northan Legal’s Criminal Law Group, where she assists solicitors and barristers with court appearances, legal research, case preparation, and client communications. Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taiwanese, she is able to support clients from diverse backgrounds with ease. Having worked in legal roles in both Australia and China, Dolly brings valuable practical skills and cross-cultural insight. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Science (Psychology) at the University of Sydney.
Kevin Wang
Paralegal
Juris Doctor Candidate (University of Sydney) | Bachelor of Laws (Shanghai University)
Kevin Wang is a dedicated paralegal with solid experience in commercial and civil litigation. He has assisted solicitors in complex, high-value matters before the Federal Court and Supreme Court, including shareholder disputes, debt recovery actions, and commercial loan proceedings. Kevin is proficient in drafting a wide range of legal documents, conducting thorough due diligence, and providing strategic support to ensure litigation is handled with accuracy and efficiency.
With professional experience across both Australian and Chinese legal systems, Kevin brings a unique cross-border perspective that strengthens his ability to contribute to multi-jurisdictional disputes. Fluent in Mandarin and English, he is recognised for delivering clear, practical, and client-focused legal support, ensuring matters are advanced with precision and professionalism
Barrister We Brief
Thomas Kwong
Barrister
Before joining the Bar, Thomas served as a prosecutor for the NSW Police Force for over a decade, where he handled a wide array of criminal prosecutions, interlocutory matters, and civil procedure applications. His tenure included significant responsibilities within the Prosecutor Training Unit, where he was instrumental in training and assessing police prosecutors. Thomas also delivered lectures on evidence, criminal procedure, and advocacy, showcasing his expertise in these areas.
Prior to his role with the NSW Police Force, Thomas contributed his legal acumen to the Legal Directorate of the Department of Education and Training NSW.
Jack Tyler-Stott
Barrister
Jack Tyler-Stott is a seasoned legal professional with an extensive 23-year experience in the criminal justice system. His experience spans various roles, beginning with five years of dedicated service as a police officer in inner Sydney, followed by seven years as a proficient prosecutor. For over 11 years, Jack has excelled as a barrister with a specialization in criminal law.
Jack's comprehensive knowledge and expertise are evidenced by his numerous appearances in hearings, trials, sentencing, appeals, applications, commissions, and tribunals. His profound understanding of criminal law and evidence uniquely positions him to adeptly manage any case that comes across his desk.
For a legal expert with unparalleled experience and a proven track record, trust Jack Tyler-Stott to deliver exceptional results.
Derek Narain Shridhar
Barrister
Derek Narain Shridhar is a barrister with over 20 years’ experience at the NSW Bar. He specialises in criminal law, administrative cases, judicial review, coronial inquests and native wildlife protection laws.
He is regularly briefed to appear as defence counsel in all jurisdictions. He represented various State statutory authorities in inquest. He represents applicants in the occupational division of NCAT.
Derek has practiced in Queensland, Victoria and in the Northern Territory.
He has appeared in complex criminal State and Commonwealth matters including drug importation, international money laundering, and the illegal trafficking of native wildlife.
Derek was previously employed as a solicitor for the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales for 5 years specialising in the criminal law.
Derek commenced is law career has a police prosecutor in 1992, serving for 7 years.
Areas of Practice
Criminal Law
Criminal Law all jurisdiction,Environmental Criminal Law. Customs, Tax
Inquests & Inquiries
Commissions, Inquests & Inquiries
Administrative Law
NCAT -occupational division, Professional Disciplinary Proceedings, Judicial Review,Appellate.
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