James Au is the principal solicitor of James Au & Associates. He is experienced in the practice areas of Australian immigration law, commercial law (including contracts, trading as well as mergers and acquisitions [M&A]), corporations law (covering litigation and company governance) and property law. Regarding immigration matters, Au is well-versed in the Business Innovation Stream, Significant Investor visas, family visas (including partner visas), student visas and Administrative Appeals Tribunal hearings.
Prior to founding his legal practice James Au & Associates, Au filled various roles at different companies. From 1985-2002, Au served as a management executive at various international companies, gaining more than 15 years’ experience in M&A and greenfield startups. He was responsible for creating and implementing business strategies for his clients, as well as restructuring companies’ technical and managerial tactics, work culture, HR practices, industrial relations and more. Au also has experience working in senior positions for companies in various Southeast Asian countries including the Indonesia, Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Au’s cross-industry experience includes working for multinational companies in the sectors of information technology, fast-moving consumer products, hi-tech manufacturing, and multimedia. He has also served as an executive coach for chief executive officers. From 1977-1985, Au served in the Independent Commission Against Corruption in Hong Kong. From 1996-2001, he acted as the speaker at conferences hosted by leading economists, American Chambers of Commerce and other leading organizations.
Au earned both his Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors, his Master of Social Work and his Graduate Certificate in Personnel Management at the University of Hong Kong in 1975, 1977 and 1986, respectively. In 2005, Au obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Monash University in Melbourne. He speaks fluent Cantonese, English and Mandarin.