TIFFANY HEI-YIU LAI
Summary
Admitted Solicitor with over six years of experience in personal injury law, progressing from law clerk to solicitor. Expertise includes independently managing Compulsory Third Party (CTP) motor vehicle accident claims, workers' compensation claims, and common law work injury damages from initial consultation to resolution. Proficient in handling Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and income protection insurance claims, with additional experience in conveyancing and wills and estate administration. Recognised for guiding clients through complex legal processes with compassion and efficiency, supported by strong negotiation and advocacy skills demonstrated in successful settlement conferences and representation at Personal Injury Commission hearings.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant to Vet/Vet Nurse
Auburn Veterinary Hospital
08.2014 - 08.2014
- Assisted in the daily care of hospitalised animals, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and ensuring clean living environments for dogs and cats.
- Assisted veterinarians and vet nurses during examinations, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
- Maintained cleanliness and organisation of treatment areas, enhancing patient safety and care quality.
- Prepared surgical instruments, syringes and assisted in procedures, contributing to successful outcomes.
- Greeted clients in with friendliness and professionalism.
Law Clerk
Stephen Young Lawyers
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Assisted the Principal Solicitor in the day-to-day management of personal injury files
- Managing the firm's calendar, scheduling appointments with clients and handling income phone calls and emails in all three languages
- Conducted legal research on statutory provisions, case law, and Personal Injury Commission (PIC) guidelines to support advice and case strategy.
- Drafted and proofread correspondence, emails, and claim forms under supervision.
- Organised and reviewed medical records and other expert reports to prepare matter summaries and evidence bundles.
- Maintained accurate file notes and updated case management software with critical dates, ensuring deadlines and limitation periods were strictly observed.
- Liaised with clients, insurers, doctors, and counsel to coordinate appointments, gather evidence, and manage client expectations with empathy and professionalism.
- Calendar manager and administrative duties, including drafting and responding to email correspondences, phone and in-office enquiries
- Supported solicitors in preparing briefs to counsel and bundles for informal settlement conferences, preliminary conferences, conciliations, and arbitrations.
- Assisted with accounts and billing tasks, including file opening, cost disclosure preparation, and liaising with IRO for funding compliance in workers' compensation disputes.
- Responded to client enquiries and provided day-to-day administrative support to the Principal Solicitor
- Occasionally assisted in conveyancing and property law matters (file opening and settlement coordination) as part of the firm's general practice support.
Senior Law Clerk
Stephen Young Lawyers
08.2019 - 11.2022
- Assisted the Principal Solicitor with case preparation for personal injury matters (CTP motor accident and workers' compensation cases, including common law work injury damages claims), performing legal research, evidence gathering, and drafting correspondence and court documents.
- Maintained organised case files and used practice management software (Smokeball) to track key dates, deadlines, and tasks, ensuring timely progression of numerous client matters.
- Liaised with clients, insurers, medical providers, and counsel to facilitate information exchange and negotiate interim payments or settlements under supervision.
- Supported solicitors during negotiations and hearings by preparing briefs and document bundles for mediations, conciliations, and arbitrations.
- Drafting letter of instructions to independent medical examiners
- Gained foundational experience in property law by assisting with conveyancing transactions and contract reviews as a secondary responsibility.
- Mentored junior clerks on legal procedures and best practices, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Managed case calendars and deadlines, ensuring timely filing of documents and adherence to court schedules.
- Developed training materials for new staff, enhancing onboarding experience and knowledge retention within the team.
- Acted as liaison between law firm and various experts, including coordinating schedules, facilitating the exchange of documents, and addressing questions or concerns that arose throughout the engagement.
Solicitor
Stephen Young Lawyers
11.2022 - Current
- Manage a diverse caseload of 150 personal injury matters, including CTP motor vehicle accident claims, workers' compensation claims, Work Injury Damages claims, TPD and Income Protection claims providing end-to-end legal service from initial intake to settlement.
- Represent clients in negotiations and conducting informal settlement conferences, preparing schedule of damages and appearing at Personal Injury Commission (PIC) for preliminary conferences, conciliations, and arbitrations to achieve favourable outcomes.
- Draft legal documents such as claim forms, legal submissions, review application submissions, statements, and coordinate expert evidence (medical and financial) to support clients' claims, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and PIC regulations.
- Ensure compliance with IRO funding guidelines and proper billing practices, preparing legal cost agreements and managing accounts for funded matters.
- Independently complete conveyancing matters from file opening, liaising with clients, agents, government authorities to settlement
- Conducted thorough legal research to support case strategies and client advice.
- Assisted in managing client relationships, addressing inquiries, and providing timely updates on case statuses.
- Reviewed and analysed medical and financial evidence to prepare for litigation and negotiations effectively.
- Collaborated with senior solicitors to develop case strategies and improve service delivery processes.
- Mentored junior staff on legal procedures, enhancing team knowledge and efficiency.
- Led training sessions for new staff on legal software systems and operational procedures, fostering a knowledgeable team environment.
Education
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) -
University of Technology Sydney
Sydney NSW08.2022
Higher School Certificate -
Strathfield Girls High School
01-2017
Skills
- Expertise in CTP motor accident schemes and workers’ compensation
- Proficient in persuasive legal writing
- Skilled in legal software for document automation
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Familiar with IRO guidelines and funding code requirements for workers compensation claims and legal costs in CTP claims
- Autonomous file organisation
- Fast learner
- Attention to detail
Certification
- Admitted Solicitor, Supreme Court of New South Wales – Admitted in November 2022
- Current Australian Practising Certificate – Valid from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
- Practical Legal Training (PLT) – Completed in 2022 as part of UTS integrated law degree program.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Cantonese)
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Full Professional
Korean
Elementary
Hobbies and Interests
Aerial Hoop and Hammock
Language exchange
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Working rights: unlimited working rights (Australian Citizen)
- NSW Driver Licence – Class C
Timeline
Solicitor
Stephen Young Lawyers
11.2022 - Current
Senior Law Clerk
Stephen Young Lawyers
08.2019 - 11.2022
Law Clerk
Stephen Young Lawyers
03.2019 - 03.2021
Assistant to Vet/Vet Nurse
Auburn Veterinary Hospital
08.2014 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) -
University of Technology Sydney
Higher School Certificate -
Strathfield Girls High School