Maria Chadwick

Biography

Maria is a Partner at Stephensons and manages the civil and employment discrimination team alongside the civil liberties and education law team.

Maria studied law at Newcastle University and thereafter went on to study the LPC at the College of Law, York.

She joined Stephensons in 2006 as a graduate paralegal in the family department and shortly thereafter secured her training contract with the firm.

During her training contract Maria held seats in the family, consumer, housing and commercial employment departments.

In September 2009 Maria qualified as a solicitor into the civil litigation team and managed a caseload of a varied range of consumer related matters.

In March 2011 she joined the private family law team, specialising in divorce, ancillary relief, children matters and specifically cases involving domestic abuse.

In August 2015 she was appointed manager of the civil and employment discrimination team. Maria was made a Partner of the firm in 2019 and has since, also worked on behalf of clients in the claims against public authorities and education law department, which she now manages.

Maria  is supervised by Philip Richardson.

Maria is a member of the Discrimination Law Association and the Employment Lawyers Association.

Areas of specialism

• Claims under the Equality Act 2010
• Compensation claims against Public Authorities including Local Authorities, the Police and His Majesty’s Prison, Courts and Tribunal Services for breaches of Human Rights and Negligence
• Education Law disputes including Special Educational Needs Provision in all levels of education
• Engaging in pre-action correspondence, negotiation and mediation
• Advising and representing Claimants and Defendants in a wide range of employment and civil matters
• Dealing with both civil and employment litigation alongside all manner of dispute resolution

Testimonials

"Stephensons... have been professional and helpful throughout... they guided me through the whole process kept me informed at all times... a very big thank you to Abigail she was my main point of contact she was very helpful and empathetic with me and my case." - View from a satisfied client

"I would give them extra stars based on the fact that they managed to settle this so quickly without needing to take the matter through court, which is really surprising due to the high value of the claim. Unfortunately I can only give 5 stars. They actually made the process fun, they always kept me in the loop and even taught me a few things on the way!" - View from a satisfied client

"I was treated with complete empathy the entire way through my claim by all personnel involved and regularly updated on progress. I also felt that I was properly listened to throughout - Big thanks to Maria – you were a star!" - View from a satisfied client

"No hesitation in giving a five star review for Stephensons. Their hard work and dedication secured me with a substantial outcome after my previous solicitors firm had given up on the matter. I can't thank you girls enough... Maria Chadwick, Abigail Martland, Amy and anyone else involved with my case worked speedily, efficiently and more importantly always with my best interest at heart from start to finish. I trusted their judgement and advice to the point I would have allowed them free reign to make decisions for me without the need for my approval. I was always kept up to date on everything with things being explained in simple terms for us lesser mortals when needed. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Stephensons to anyone needing legal help and they will certainly be my 1st port of call next time if I need any further help in the future. Thanks again Maria, Abigail and Amy. YOU GIRLS ROCK!" - View from a satisfied client

"Outstanding and very supportive thank you so much and hope I never need u again but if I ever did would know where go" - View from a satisfied client

"You and all your staff have helped me and been so very very kind and understanding. I'd like to say a big big thank you to you all." - View from a satisfied client

"I just wanted to show my appreciation for all the hard work you put into my case. The end of last year was so hard, I never thought I could make it through but I did. When I felt like I wanted to give up you called me and said 'let us try and help you' and as a team you did just that. Thank you." - View from a satisfied client

"I know that we are not finished with the case yet but I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you so much for getting me to the point where I don't have to worry about the rent arrears that had built up. I really appreciate all your hard work and also the team that work with you. You've all been amazing." - View from a satisfied client

"Clear understandable information. Felt that I was important to the staff and they always phoned when they said they would." - View from a satisfied client

"You are fair and trustworthy. Very thorough and cover every possible angle. You are pleasant and take notice of your clients." - View from a satisfied client

"I would like to thank you, Maria and Lucy for assisting me in everything and explaining everything to me. I'm really grateful for your hard work. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" - View from a satisfied client

"Trustworthy, understanding, kind and helpful. For people like me you put things into words that i can understand. You're the best ever." - View from a satisfied client

"Great service kept me informed at every stage of the process... helpful at every stage." - View from a satisfied client