California State Bar
Bar #354071 · Active
Admitted to practice in all California state and federal courts.
Stephen Drysdale.
US Attorney · Based in Sydney · Serving AU & NZ Businesses
Stephen Drysdale is a US-qualified attorney based in Sydney, Australia. Admitted to the California State Bar, the Supreme Court of New South Wales, and the High Court of New Zealand, he brings a rare cross-border perspective to every engagement.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Stephen pursued his legal career with a clear focus: helping businesses in Australia and New Zealand navigate the complexities of the US legal system. After gaining extensive experience in US corporate and commercial law — including roles at major law firms and in-house at ZURU, one of the world's fastest-growing toy companies — he founded Drysdale Legal to provide accessible, fixed-fee US legal services to Australasian businesses.
Stephen understands the challenges Australian and New Zealand businesses face when expanding to the United States. Different legal frameworks, unfamiliar regulatory requirements, and the tyranny of distance can make US legal compliance feel daunting. Drysdale Legal exists to bridge that gap — providing clear, practical US legal advice delivered in your timezone, by someone who understands how business works on this side of the Pacific.
Qualifications & admissions.
Supreme Court of NSW
Actively Admitted
Licensed to practise law in New South Wales, Australia.
High Court of New Zealand
Actively Admitted
Qualified barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
The journey.
New Zealand
Where it started.
Born and raised in NZ, Stephen developed an early interest in international business and law.
Law School
Building the foundation.
Completed legal studies with a focus on commercial and corporate law across multiple jurisdictions.
California
Bar admission.
Admitted to the California State Bar, gaining direct experience in US commercial law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
ZURU
Global corporate experience.
In-house legal at ZURU, managing IP portfolios, US market entry, and cross-border commercial agreements for one of the world's fastest-growing companies.
Sydney
Home base established.
Relocated to Sydney and admitted to the NSW Supreme Court, bringing US legal expertise directly to Australian businesses.
Drysdale Legal
Founded.
Launched Drysdale Legal to provide fixed-fee, accessible US legal services to Australian and New Zealand businesses expanding into the American market.
Why it matters to have a US attorney in your timezone.
Same timezone.
Meetings at reasonable hours. No 2am calls, no week-long email delays. Real-time collaboration from Sydney.
Understands all three jurisdictions.
Knows Australian and New Zealand business culture and US legal requirements. No misunderstandings, no assumptions.
Plain-English advice.
US law explained clearly. No American legal jargon overload — just practical guidance you can act on.