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Yen Du, Kit Legal, Adelaide
Wondering how ATL005 CommLaw2 helps in transforming complex legal and tax challenges into clear, actionable strategies for clients? The dux of CommLaw2, Yen Du, tells us just that.
Yen's Story
For Yen Du, Senior Lawyer at Kit Legal in Adelaide, the intersection of law and taxation isn't just her profession, it's her passion. As the top-performing student in ATL005 CommLaw2 in Study Period 3 2024, Yen brings the same excellence she demonstrated in the classroom to her everyday work, helping clients navigate intricate legal and tax landscapes with confidence.
Yen's journey into this specialised field began with a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice from Flinders University, complemented by a Master of Applied Finance with a major in Financial Planning from Kaplan. This unique combination of legal expertise and financial acumen has positioned her perfectly to address the multifaceted challenges her clients face.
Where law meets finance
Whilst tax hasn’t been Yen’s exclusive focus, it has always been a significant part of her career. “In my previous roles in the financial planning industry, including as an adviser and paraplanner, I regularly considered tax implications as part of providing holistic financial advice. I focussed on helping clients understand how these factors could influence their broader financial strategies, while ensuring they sought tailored advice from their accountant or tax adviser.”
Today, in her role supporting Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) holders, Yen bridges the gap between legal requirements and financial practice. “I regularly come across queries from their advisers that involve client advice intersecting with taxation considerations,” she explains.
“I also provide support on matters involving business structures,” she adds. “Both AFSL-related and client-related, to ensure AFSL holders have a clear understanding of their structures and that advisers remain compliant when providing advice to their clients.”
The simple pleasures of demystifying legal and tax complexity
Ask Yen about the most rewarding aspect of her work, and her enthusiasm is palpable. “I love simplifying complex legal requirements for AFSL holders and helping them understand their obligations without the jargon. It’s fulfilling to know that my work contributes in some part to helping Australians receive financial advice that aligns with both legal and ethical standards,” she says.
Studying at The Tax Institute
Yen's decision to study ATL005 CommLaw2 at The Tax Institute was strategic and purposeful.
"I enrolled to gain a deeper understanding of business structures so I could better assist my clients in identifying potential risks that may impact their AFSL businesses," she explains.
The commitment paid dividends: “I wanted to better assist my clients in identifying potential risks that may impact their AFSL businesses. I found the case studies particularly engaging as they offered valuable, practical insights that deepened my knowledge of the topics covered. Through the course, I not only strengthened my understanding of different business structures but also gained exposure to the non-tax legal aspects of superannuation, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency.”
The result? Enhanced capability that directly benefits her clients. "CommLaw2 has significantly improved my ability to provide practical advice when needed," she concludes.
Words of wisdom
For tax professionals considering further study, Yen offers this compelling advice: “Make full use of the course convener’s expertise. Whenever I encountered challenges, I reached out early, and the course convener consistently provided prompt and helpful guidance.”
Her learning philosophy is built on four strong pillars - being proactive, resourceful, and consistently focused on achieving the best possible outcomes. These also clearly underpin her ongoing professional success.