Mickaela is an Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law and the founder of Mate Lawyers. After graduating from the University of Newcastle with First Class Honours, she commenced her legal career at a boutique criminal defence firm in Kings Cross, where she gained extensive experience across a broad range of criminal matters, including traffic offences, drug importation, and murder cases.
In 2020, Mickaela established Mate Lawyers with a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for every client. She takes an individualised and client-focused approach, understanding that involvement in the criminal justice system is often one of the most stressful experiences a person can face. Mickaela is known for guiding clients through the process with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.
While empathetic and approachable with her clients, Mickaela is also recognised as a fearless and highly effective advocate in the courtroom. She is particularly skilled in cross-examination and is regularly commended by judicial officers for her precise and strategic approach to questioning.
Mickaela has significant experience representing clients in matters involving:
- Sexual assault offences
- Drug possession, supply, and importation offences
- Assault matters, including domestic violence and assaults on police officers
- Weapons and firearms offences, including prohibition orders
- Robbery offences
- Driving offences, including drink driving and drug driving matters
- Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings
- Fraud and dishonesty offences
Mickaela regularly appears in all jurisdictions throughout New South Wales. While she predominantly practises in metropolitan Sydney, she also maintains a strong presence in her hometown of Newcastle.
Solicitor details
• Admitted to practice in 2018
• Register of Practitioners of the High Court of Australia in 2021
• Awarded Accredited Specialist in Criminal Law in 2023
• Member of NSW Young Lawyers
• Member of City of Sydney Law Society
• Member of Women Lawyers Association of NSW
• Affiliated with BASIL – Brothers and Sisters in Law
CASES
My client was charged with supplying a small amount of cocaine and possessing 10 000 MDMA pills for the purpose of supply. The second charge, which carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, relied solely upon phone intercepts and evidence of a witness in witness protection. The alleged facts were that my client had supplied two ounces to the person in witness protection on one occasion, and then had taken possession of 10 000 MDMA pills to sell on that person’s behalf. My client denied the allegations throughout the entire process. At trial, my client was found not guilty of both charges.
My client was charged with grooming a child for sexual activity and sexually touching a child. The facts were that my client and a 14-year-old had commenced communicating on Snapchat and agreed to later meet up for sexual activity. After careful analysis, I determined that the Crown could not prove that my client had groomed the child. My client ultimately plead guilty and was sentenced to an 18 month term of imprisonment, with a non-parole period of only 8 months.
My client was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, carrying 25 years imprisonment. The facts were that following an argument with an ex-partner, who had significantly damaged her vehicle, my client drove her car at her ex-partner, pinning him between her car and his car, and then again between her car and his brick house. Following negotiations, my client plead guilty to a lesser charge and was sentenced to an Intensive Corrections Order. This meant my client did not send any time in custody and could return home to her son.








