Adam Ly, B. Ec., LL.B.

Director and Principal Lawyer

Adam Ly is the Principal Solicitor of LY Lawyers and is a well known Criminal Law specialist.

Adam has more than 20 years criminal law industry experience.

Adam specialises in Criminal Law but his knowledge extends to a range of different legal areas. He appears daily in the Local Courts, District Courts and the Supreme Court of NSW, and has extensive experience with complex criminal matters in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal.

Adam is currently involved in the firm’s most serious cases, including defending our clients charged with murder, large commercial drug importation and supply, serious sexual assault and complex fraud matters.

Other than in New South Wales, Adam has appeared for our clients in serious criminal cases in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. He has also appeared in District and Supreme Court trials in Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. He has achieved huge success for clients who have been charged with extremely serious criminal offences throughout Australia, including numerous ‘not guilty’ verdicts in long criminal trials.

In NSW, Adam has been representing clients in numerous courts throughout the metropolitan area and country NSW. He continues to strive to protect the rights of those who have been accused of criminal offences.

Adam is a strong advocate for drug dependency rehabilitation. He assists local community organisations with various legal matters on a volunteer basis.

Adam is highly regarded for his commitment to his work and clients. His dedication to the principles of justice and fairness are what separate him from other criminal law advocates.

Ash Jawas, LL.B

Senior Associate

Ash brings to our team a wealth of criminal law experience both here in Australia and overseas. With more than 15 years experience as a Lawyer, Ash has been tasked with managing our ever-growing Parramatta office. Ash was admitted as a Solicitor and Barrister of the High Court of New Zealand. During his career he has practiced in all areas of law, though  he has predominantly focused on criminal law for more than a decade. He has represented clients in all jurisdictions throughout NSW including the Childrens, Local, District and Supreme Court as well as the Court of Criminal Appeal. Ash has a passion for criminal law, and aided with his strong work ethic, knowledge of the law and experience, he is able to achieve desired results for those that he represents.

Yashvi Shah LL.B LL.M

Senior Associate

Yashvi Shah has been working in the legal profession for the last 10 years. As a courageous and ethical Advocate, Yashvi is highly skilled in running all local court hearings and applications, District and Local Court sentences and appeals, and instructing Counsel in complex, serious trials not limited to Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Assaults, Armed Robberies and Child Abuse offences.

Yashvi has extensive knowledge and experience with the criminal justice system, and represents all clients fairly and equally. Prior to joining LY Lawyers, Yashvi had attained a Partnership in a boutique law firm and has managed her own business building valuable stakeholder relations.

Yashvi’s uniqueness was rewarded when she was invited as a guest speaker at Ted X Youth in 2018 to present an inspirational speech on how and what makes her a daring Lawyer (https://youtu.be/GOHi5FY6tjo). She is unafraid to be vocal both inside and outside the Courtroom and that is why she finds pleasure in standing up for human rights, especially defending the client diligently in their best interests.

Sam Karnib B. Comm, LL.B

Associate

Sam specialises in criminal law and has come to our firm having worked at a boutique criminal law firm in Western Sydney. Over the years Sam has worked closely with Australia’s leading barristers and has reputation for outstanding preparation, hard work and great communication with clients.

Sam has dedicated his career to defending those charged with criminal offences. He is fanatical about the law and is devoted to achieving the best outcome for each client.

Sam appears as a solicitor in the Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeal for various matters, including defended hearings, sentence hearings, bail applications and committal hearings. Sam’s advocacy skills are exceptional and is able and willing to assist any client no matter how big or small the charges are.

Sam recognises that facing criminal charges and appearing in court can be quite daunting on the client and he will stand beside his clients throughout the entire experience. He is approachable and is easily able to connect with clients.

Sam is a meticulous lawyer whose attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your case will be thoroughly investigated.

Andrew Balalas LL.B, B.Sc

Criminal Defence Lawyer

Andrew started his journey in the legal profession in South Australia, gaining invaluable experience shadowing a prominent Barrister in Adelaide in various high profile litigation cases. Following the realisation that he wanted to pursue a career in Criminal Law, Andrew joined a top tier Criminal Law firm in Adelaide where he was involved in some of the most difficult and complex cases the firm had conducted.

Coming to NSW with valuable experience in the criminal law field, Andrew joined another prominent criminal law firm in Parramatta where he conducted summary and complex criminal matters and appearing in all NSW courts on a daily basis.

A well spoken, sharp and meticulous advocate, Andrew is currently involved in some of our firm’s most complex cases including defended Trials in Melbourne, Brisbane and country NSW. Andrew is also currently assisting our Principal with cases involving alleged Murder, attempted murder, large scale drug importation and Cartel offences.

Theresa Garofalo

Office Manager

Maryana Hanna

Paralegal

Vi La

Paralegal