Two new appointments to the NSW Coroners Court

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Highly experienced solicitors David Yang and Sarah Crellin have been appointed as non-magistrate coroners of the Coroners Court of NSW.

Mr Yang and Ms Crellin will commence their roles in July, with their terms expiring in January 2027. These appointments strengthen the state’s ability to deliver thorough and independent investigations through the Coroners Court.

David Yang is currently the Acting Principal Solicitor at the Crown Solicitor’s Office, where he leads complex civil litigation and advisory matters. He brings a strong background in public law and coronial inquests.

Sarah Crellin is a Solicitor Advocate at the Crown Solicitor’s Office and a former Principal Solicitor with the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT). She has almost two decades of experience in criminal law and advocacy.

While most coroners are magistrates, the Coroners Act 2009 allows for the appointment of non-magistrate coroners with suitable legal experience.

Mr Yang and Ms Crellin have been appointed under these provisions, bringing extensive legal expertise and a strong commitment to public service.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Both appointees bring deep legal experience and a commitment to public service that will greatly benefit the Coroners Court.

“David Yang and Sarah Crellin are both exceptional lawyers whose appointments will support the court’s continued focus on integrity, care, and truth-finding.

“The work of coroners is essential to our community – not only in determining causes of death, but in identifying ways we can prevent similar tragedies in the future.”

BIOGRAPHIES

David Yang

David Yang is currently the Acting Principal Solicitor at the Crown Solicitor’s Office, where he leads complex civil and criminal litigation and advisory matters on behalf of NSW Government agencies. He has extensive experience in criminal, administrative and coronial law.

He has previously served as a Tipstaff to Justice Harrison of the Supreme Court of NSW and has worked his way through the ranks of the Crown Solicitor’s Office. Mr Yang holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice from UNSW Sydney, and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice from the College of Law.

Sarah Crellin

Sarah Crellin is a Solicitor Advocate in the Inquiries and Criminal Law Division at the Crown Solicitor’s Office, following a career in criminal law that spans nearly two decades. Prior to her current role, she was Principal Solicitor – Criminal Practice at the Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT), where she also served in a number of senior positions, including Deputy Principal Solicitor and Acting Principal Legal Officer.

Ms Crellin brings extensive experience in advocacy, criminal justice and working with First Nations communities. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Arts from the University of Wollongong, along with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law from the Law Society of NSW.