Bill Doogue is a leading criminal defence lawyer with over 30 years of experience and is widely recognised for his expertise and strategic approach to criminal law. Admitted to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor in 1989, Bill became an Accredited Criminal Law Specialist in 1998 and has since built a career marked by high-profile cases and expert advice. His firm, Doogue + George, has earned recognition as a First-Tier Criminal Law Defence Firm in the Doyle’s Guide 2024, while Bill himself is ranked as one of Australia’s top five 'pre-eminent criminal lawyers.'
Bill’s career has spanned a wide range of legal challenges, from representing high-ranking church officials in Royal Commission hearings to advising current and former politicians from both Liberal and Labour parties in matters involving allegations and criminal law. He has also worked with Kings Counsel and Chief Corporate Counsel for some of Australia’s largest corporations, providing strategic advice on complex criminal and quasi-criminal issues.
A particularly notable case for Bill’s firm was its involvement in the Securrency matter, a significant bribery case involving the Reserve Bank and allegations of bribery of foreign officials. His firm also frequently handles multi-disciplinary internal investigations for companies dealing with delicate and often cross-jurisdictional issues, across both Australia and also in neighbouring countries.
Bill’s practice has been built on his extensive experience in jury trials. His firm runs these trials daily in the County and Supreme Courts, providing him and his team with a solid understanding of the practical realities of prosecution. This experience gives Bill a unique advantage when it comes to assessing cases and formulating defence strategies, particularly in situations where charges have not yet been laid. Bill thrives on the strategic challenges of getting involved in matters early, working to prevent investigations from evolving into formal charges.
Beyond his legal practice, Bill has a strong commitment to community service. Early in his career, he worked as a criminal lawyer for the Aboriginal Legal Service in the Northern Territory. He also served as the Chairperson of the Broadmeadows Community Legal Centre for over a decade, a role involved in  both legal advocacy and community support.
Bill’s firm regularly handles complex cases that require thoughtful, practical advice, and Bill’s approach to client representation is always grounded in his decades of experience. His comprehensive understanding of both the legal landscape and the intricacies of criminal law makes him an invaluable resource for clients facing serious allegations.
Bill's reputation is built not only on his legal acumen but also on his ability to navigate the strategic complexities of criminal law and his unwavering dedication to providing clients with expert, practical advice. As one of the most highly regarded criminal defence lawyers in Australia, Bill Doogue continues to make significant contributions to the field of criminal law while maintaining a commitment to excellence and client service.
Phone (03) 9670 5111
Location Level 5, 221 Queen St, Melbourne 3000 and and 185 Elizabeth Street, Sydney 2000
Contact Email bill@doogue.com.au
Website https://www.criminal-lawyers.com.au/
Country Australia
State Victoria, New South Wales
City Melbourne, Sydney
