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lauren macdougall

Lauren MacDougall

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

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carly hydes

Carly Hydes

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

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phoebe macdougall

Phoebe MacDougall

PARTNER

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nicola dabboussy

Nicola Dabboussy

SOLICITOR

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abbey tyrwhitt

Abbey Tyrwhitt

Paralegal

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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.

Crime - Leading - 2020
Crime - Rising Star - 2020
Crime - Leading - 2021
Crime - Leading - 2022
Crime - Recommended - 2022
Crime - Rising Star - 2022 (002)
Crime - Rising Star - 2023
Crime - Leading - 2024
Crime - Recommended - 2024
Crime - Rising Star - 2024

Contact us now for expert and tailored legal advice

Reach out to MacDougall & Hydes for expert, personalised guidance on your legal matters. Our dedicated team in Sydney specialises in criminal defence and quasi-criminal cases, ensuring high-quality, tailored representation when you need it most.
Contact us today
macdougall and hydes team
lauren macdougall

Lauren MacDougall

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Lauren’s practice is focussed on serious and complex criminal matters.  Prior to founding MacDougall & Hydes, Lauren was, for 7 years, the Principal of Korn MacDougall Legal, a firm that was listed as a leading criminal law firm in 2019 and 2020 by the Doyle’s Guide.

Lauren has and continues to appear in matters that attract significant public interest, including homicide trials, sexual assault trials and an array of serious indictable offences. She also is experienced in complex white-collar crime matters. These often protracted, exhaustive cases require the deployment of diligent expertise but also demand the highest levels of communication, empathy and understanding. 

In 2023, 2022, 2021 & 2020 Lauren was listed as one of the state’s leading criminal lawyers by the Doyle’s Guide. She was also selected as a finalist for the Lawyers Weekly Criminal Law Partner of the Year. 

Lauren is a member of the Australian Chapter of the Women’s White Collar Defence Association. She is also on the Legal Aid NSW Serious Crime Panel.

carly hydes

Carly Hydes

FOUNDER & PRINCIPAL

Carly has a diverse and varied practice that encompasses criminal and family law as well as civil litigation. She began her career in the legal profession in the United Kingdom where she worked in civil dispute resolution which included appearing in litigated matters.

Since migrating to Australia in 2009, Carly has continued to practice in a broad range of areas, including working for the NSW Government acting in child protection matters and coronial inquiries.

Carly is recognised as a highly effective and determined advocate and regularly appears for individuals charged with matters ranging from traffic and driving matters, to more serious criminal law matters that finalise in the District & Supreme Court. Carly’s ability was recognised by her colleagues in 2023, 2022 and 2021, when she was listed as a leading criminal lawyer. In 2020 and 2019, she was listed as one of the state’s rising stars in criminal defence law.

Prior to founding MacDougall & Hydes, Carly was an Associate at Korn MacDougall Legal, a firm that was listed as a leading criminal law firm in 2019 and 2020 by the Doyle’s Guide.

phoebe macdougall

Phoebe MacDougall

Senior Associate

Phoebe is a Partner at MacDougall & Hydes Lawyers and has practised exclusively in criminal law for the past nine years. She commenced her career with a leading boutique Sydney firm before joining the NSW Public Defenders Office, where she worked alongside some of the state’s most respected barristers on complex and high-profile criminal matters.

Phoebe regularly appears in the District Court in serious indictable proceedings, including large-scale drug importation matters, sexual assault prosecutions, and charges such as shoot with intent to murder. She also maintains a comprehensive Local Court practice, representing clients charged with offences ranging from domestic and personal violence, drug possessions and assaults to dangerous driving and other serious allegations.

She has a particular commitment to representing vulnerable clients, including those with mental health conditions and cognitive impairments. She frequently appears in mental health diversion and fitness proceedings and has conducted numerous successful applications under section 14 of the Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment Forensic Provisions Act 2020 (NSW), securing outcomes that prioritise treatment, rehabilitation, and diversion from the criminal justice system.

Phoebe has been recognised as one of NSW’s rising stars in criminal defence, receiving listings in both 2022 and 2023. She was also awarded an Australian Law Award at the 2020 Lawyers Weekly Law Awards and was a finalist in the 2019 Women in Law Awards for her contributions to the profession.

nicola dabboussy

Nicola Dabboussy

SOLICITOR

Nicola has a passion for criminal defence work and is passionate about being an advocate for vulnerable members of the community. Prior to becoming a Solicitor, she spent time volunteering with the Aboriginal Legal Service, where she engaged with clients facing significant access to justice issues including severe mental and physical health issues, drug and alcohol addiction and trauma related to sexual or domestic violence. Nicola’s time with the ALS strengthened her advocacy skills through working alongside passionate practitioners and Aboriginal community leaders.

Nicola also volunteered at The Public Defenders where she assisted Counsel with high-profile serious criminal trials and regularly attended court. This included trials involving murder, terrorism, and sexual assault. In addition, Nicola has experience as a legal researcher at Forbes Chambers – a leading specialist criminal chambers . 

abbey tyrwhitt

Abbey Tyrwhitt

Paralegal

Abbey is a skilled paralegal with a primary focus on criminal law, bringing a wealth of experience in preparing legal documents, conducting thorough research, and supporting solicitors in all aspects of criminal cases. Known for handling sensitive matters with discretion, Abbey excels in courtroom preparation, legal research and evidence gathering, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients.

While criminal law is Abbey’s core practice, she began her career in rural law, providing valuable insights into unique legal challenges faced by clients in rural communities. From property disputes to agricultural matters, Abbey built a strong foundation in rural law that continues to inform her approach to solving complex legal issues.

With a deep commitment to excellence and client care, Abbey offers exceptional paralegal support, combining a diverse background in legal support with a keen interest in developing her skills as a future advocate.