Maria joined Chambers after completing pupillage in October 2022. She has since developed a thriving practice at the intersection of criminal defence and human rights.
Maria’s practice stands out as being at the forefront of the rapidly-developing area of protest law. Her experience in high-profile, multi-week Crown Court trials has led her to become a highly confident and effective advocate. She is ranked as Up and Coming in Chambers & Partners.
Maria accepts instructions in actions against the police, inquests, housing, public and prison law. Her practice is dedicated to acting for individuals against the state and other powerful entities.
Maria has experience representing those charged with serious violence, terrorism, drug-related crime, offences against property and general crime.
She has particular experience in cases involving legal complexity, including those indicted as conspiracies, and cases involving defences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Maria regularly represents individuals from groups including Palestine Action, Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain, and Animal Rebellion, as well as individuals protesting for police accountability.
Maria is available to instruct in protest matters of any level, including those charged under terrorism legislation.
Maria’s criminal work involves grappling with complex issues arising from European and International Human Rights Law on a daily basis. She has a keen understanding of the application of the ECHR in criminal cases as well as other fields.
Maria grew up in France before completing her Law degree in Spain. She has experience and understanding of both common and civil law jurisdictions, as well as international law.
Maria also has hands-on experience in the human rights field. She previously ran a social enterprise focussing on empowerment through economic independence for women and marginalised groups in Maharashtra, and has worked in Reproductive and Sexual Health Rights in rural Zambia. In 2019 she secured EU funding for a Human Rights Summer School, coordinating with partner organisations from across Europe. Prior to coming to the Bar, Maria ran a non-formal education organisation, working primarily with 16-to-18 year-olds across Europe, aiming to develop critical thinking skills and incite personal action through the topics of identity, diversity and social responsibility.
Maria has experience in a variety of areas including the prosecution of landlords under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, homelessness and allocations, possession proceedings, cases involving anti-social behaviour, and issues under the Equality Act 2010. Maria has worked a variety of areas including the prosecution of landlords under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, homelessness and allocations, possession claims and cases involving anti-social behaviour. Many of these cases have also involved issues under the Equality Act 2010.
Jules Thorn BPTC Scholarship, Middle Temple (2019-2020)
Prize for highest mark in BPTC Immigration & Asylum Module (2020)
Cuatrecasas-Gonçalves-Perreira ‘Innovative Lawyer’ Scholarship (2016-2020)
‘Sobresaliente y Matrícula de Honor’ awarded for obtaining highest mark in 9 LLB modules (2016-2020)
University of Law LLB Scholarship for tuition costs (2016-2019)
English & French (fluent)
Spanish (advanced)
LLM, University of Law (Distinction), 2020
LLB International Comparative Law, IE University Madrid (First Class), 2020
LLB English and Civil Law, University of Law (First Class), 2019
For information on hourly rates and fees