MacDougall and Hydes Lawyers
Defence Law Firm Sydney
We specialise in criminal defence work and quasi-criminal matters.
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MacDougall & Hydes is a law firm based in Sydney. We specialise in criminal defence work, quasi-criminal matters and regulatory proceedings. We service all areas of NSW and regularly appear in interstate jurisdictions across Australia.
Our unwavering objective is to provide our clients with high quality representation that is tailored to their individual needs. We value the privilege it is to represent individuals who require our services when facing matters of enormous personal significance.
We have represented clients who have appeared in matters that have generated significant public interest. We have also been recognised by our colleagues as being leaders in criminal defence law.
Our team
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Lauren MacDougall
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Carly Hydes
FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Phoebe MacDougall
Senior Associate

Nicola Dabboussy
SOLICITOR

Abbey Tyrwhitt
Paralegal
Client Testimonials
Brooklynn Nelsen2025-03-26Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't thank Phoebe enough for the outstanding legal representation! Thanks to her expertise, hard work, and strategic approach, my case was dismissed. From the very beginning, Phoebe was professional, reassuring, and took the time to explain every step of the process. She was always available to answer my questions and made me feel confident and supported throughout the entire ordeal. I highly recommend MacDougall & Hydes to anyone in need of a lawyer! If you're looking for someone who will fight for you and deliver results, look no further! Stephanie Irwin2025-03-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was represented by Phoebe MacDougall of MacDougall & Hydes Lawyers during one of the most difficult times in my life. I can’t thank her enough for the care, compassion, and strength she brought to my case. Phoebe was incredibly prepared, knowledgeable, and strategic, but what really stood out was how human and understanding she was throughout the process. I felt heard, respected, and genuinely supported at every stage. The team at MacDougall & Hydes were professional, responsive, and committed to achieving the best outcome possible. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Phoebe and her firm to anyone needing expert representation in a criminal matter. Thank you for everything. Mia Arvythis2025-03-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t thank Lauren MacDougall and Nicola Daboussy enough for their exceptional support and expertise in handling my legal case. From the very beginning, MacDougall & Hyde’s Lawyers were passionate about achieving the best outcome for me. Both Lauren and Nicola were dedicated in explaining and guiding me through the entire process. Their dedication, hard work and attentiveness, reassured me during a stressful time. Lauren is highly professional, confident, strategic and knew exactly how to handle my case. Nicola is incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and efficient—she stayed on top of every detail, answered all my questions, and made sure nothing was overlooked. I truly couldn’t have asked for better lawyers. I highly recommend Lauren MacDougall & Nicola Daboussy to anyone in need of compassionate legal support! Arie Pappas2025-03-25Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Today we had the benefit of having a young but extremely proficient lawyer in our corner representing an extended family member. Nicola Dabboussy attended court totally prepared and couldn’t have done a better job. Plenty of passion & fire in her belly -full of compassion to ensure her client received a second chance in life. We thank Nicola for her outstanding effort. We have no hesitation in recommending this extremely capable criminal lawyer. Nicola represented a humble battler who’s had a tough life, she couldn’t have done a better job - thank you & well done Michelle Martin2024-05-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice & approachable staff. 👍 Jon2024-04-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very appreciative of the hard work and dedication Lauren and the firm provided throughout my matter. Nicola, especially, was very professional, kind and reliable. I felt like a person to them not another case. My outcome was exceptional. I strongly recommend MacDougall & Hydes Lawyers. Chris Guillan2023-07-13Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Just wanted to share my honest experience. I’ve used a lot of different lawyers in my life and in my case and have always been disappointed for one reason or another. All I can say is dealing with Phoebie and Lauren was a massive breath of fresh air that decent, relatable and hardworking lawyers exist. Their dedication and skill towards my case helped me get the best outcome! I couldn’t in words recommend their firm highly enough to anyone that ever asks. Sam E2023-03-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely the best law firm! Nothing but the best outcome from Macdougall and Hyde’s, especially Lauren, the great communication skills and highly intelligent presentation couldn’t have come without Lauren’s expertise. I highly recommend giving them a call for any legal matters you may be facing. Greta Simms2023-01-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Following a highly praised recommendation; and in desperate need of after hours legal advice we called Lauren McDougall. From the moment Lauren answered, we were assured we were hiring an extremely professional and empathetic expert Criminal Lawyer. With constant communication, and her kind support we were kept up to date with every step of the legal process; and knew we were in good hands. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Lauren and MacDougall & Hydes Lawyers for anyone requiring legal representation.










News & Media
This page includes a selection of cases that have received media attention, but it represents only a small portion of the cases we do. We have obtained the consent of our client’s before sharing this content.