Ernest Chan

Ernest Chan is a criminal defence lawyer with a unique skillset shaped by his military service as an Infantry Officer and over 10 years as a senior police prosecutor in the NSW Police Force. He has appeared in hundreds of cases, prosecuting serious drug offences and aggravated break and enter matters, and has extensive experience with high-profile, complex, and lengthy trials.

After leaving the NSW Police Force, Ernest was a Senior Associate at a top Sydney criminal law firm and later founded his own successful firm. He has served on the Legal Aid NSW Criminal Law Panel, Back Up Duty Scheme, Pro Bono Scheme, and the NSW Law Society Mentoring Program. Noted for his empathy, unique experience, and proven results, Ernest joined Brightstone Legal as Special Counsel to provide clients with tailored defence strategies and advocacy expertise.

His background in both prosecution and defence allows him to navigate police negotiations, identify weaknesses in the brief of evidence, and deliver the best possible outcomes for clients, including defended hearings, appeals, bail applications, sentencing, mental health applications, and annulment applications.