Specialist in

Experience

Maria joined Chambers after completing pupillage in October 2022.

Criminal Defence

Maria has a busy criminal practice spanning the Crown, Magistrates’ and Youth Courts. She has experience representing those charged with serious violence, sexual offences, drug-related crime, offences against property and general crime. She also has experience in cases involving Modern Slavery.

Protest Law

Maria is regularly instructed in specialist protest cases in both the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. She has represented individuals from protest groups including Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain, Palestine Action and Animal Rebellion. She has particular experience with those charged with Obstructing the Highway, Aggravated Trespass, Criminal Damage, Public Order offences, Public Nuisance, and Conspiracy offences.

Housing

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.

During pupillage, Maria assisted with a wide range of defence cases in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts, as well as the Court of Appeal. A number of these have involved defences under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Additionally, she has been involved in several cases with mental health aspects, including where a Trial of Fact has been conducted. She has also gained experience related to inquests into death in custody, and parole hearings. In her Housing seat, Maria 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.

Maria grew up in France before completing her Law degree in Spain. She has an understanding and experience of both common and civil law jurisdictions, as well as international law.

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.

She also has experience in the human rights field. Whilst living in India, she ran a social enterprise focussing on empowerment through economic independence for women and marginalised groups. She went on to work 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.

Professional Memberships

BPTC, University of Law (VC)
LLM in Bar Practice, University of Law (Distinction)
LLB in International Comparative Law, IE University Madrid (1^st Class)
LLB in English and Civil Law, University of Law (1^st Class)
Mahindra United World College (UWC) of India (IB)

Languages

English & French (fluent)
Spanish (advanced)

Awards

Jules Thorn BPTC Scholarship from Middle Temple Inn (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 in 9 modules for obtaining highest mark in the year (2016-2020)
University of Law LLB Scholarship covering tuition costs (2016-2019)
UWC Great Britain National Committee Scholarship (2013-2015)