Mickaela Mate is the founder of Mate Lawyers and brings extensive experience in criminal law, having graduated with First Class Honours from Newcastle University. Early in her career, Mickaela worked at a boutique criminal defence firm in Kings Cross where she managed a broad range of matters, from traffic offences to serious charges such as drug importation and murder. Since establishing Mate Lawyers in 2020, Mickaela has dedicated herself to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. She adopts a personalised approach, understanding that a criminal charge can be one of the most challenging and stressful experiences in a client’s life. Mickaela supports clients throughout their journey in the criminal justice system with empathy and respect. At the same time, she is recognised for her robust advocacy, fearlessly representing clients and demonstrating strong skills in cross-examination—skills often commended by judicial officers. Mickaela’s experience spans a wide range of criminal matters, including sexual assault, drug possession, supply and importation, assaults including domestic violence and offences against police officers, weapons and firearms charges, robbery, driving offences including drink and drug driving, Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) matters, and fraud. She regularly appears across all jurisdictions within New South Wales, with a focus on metropolitan Sydney as well as a strong presence in her hometown of Newcastle. Outside of her legal practice, Mickaela enjoys spending time at the beach and working cattle on the family farm, reflecting her connection to both urban and rural life.
Principal
Mate Lawyers
Mar 2020 - Present • 6 years 8 months
Solicitor
Criminal Defence
Jan 2018 - Mar 2020 • 2 years 2 months
Law Clerk
Criminal Defence
Jul 2015 - Mar 2020 • 4 years 8 months
Bachelor of Business (Dist) / Bachelor of Law (Honours Class I)
University of Newcastle
2017
Last checked: 15 May 2026 • Checked with The Law Society of NSW
