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Testimonials:
Family law barrister, Maria Scotland, of 7 Bedford Row Chambers, is ranked as one of the leading family law juniors in the Legal 500 and in 2010 she won the 14th Annual Sydney Elland Goldsmith Bar Pro Bono Award. Here is what the judiciary, members of the profession and clients have said about Maria:
“For me Maria is a superb role model. Reading the testimonials to her is inspiring."
Lord Goldsmith QC
"I find it remarkable that anyone can hold down a busy family practice and yet still make the time to do a substantial volume of difficult and emotionally-draining pro bono work. She epitomises for me everything that is creditable about pro bono activity."
David Hobart, Chief Executive of the Bar Council
"We were overwhelmed by the quality of entries we received this year. It was a very close call, but the judging panel felt that Maria's contribution stood out this year.
Rebecca Wilkie, Chief Executive of the Bar Pro Bono Unit
“Maria gave her total commitment to getting my case agreed out of court and to do this she defended me with a passion and commitment that matched my own and in doing so won the day for me and my children”
EH, client
“She was confident, understanding and worked as if it was her pain, her problem ... ”
SA, client
“The performance of counsel was outstanding. Indeed the hearing was short because counsel’s submissions, written and oral, were so clear, so succinct and so realistic.”
Lord Justice Wilson Brisset v Brisset [2009] EWCA 679
"I agree with the judgment of Lord Justice Wilson, not least in relation to the high standard of representation and advocacy before this court."
Lord Justice Sedley Brisset v Brisset [2009] EWCA 679
Publications about Maria:
http://www.familylawweek.co.uk/site.aspx?i=ed70847
http://www.familylaw.co.uk/articles/BarProBonoAward06112010
http://www.barcouncil.org.uk/news/latest/607.html
http://www.familylore.co.uk/2009/07/brisset-v-brisset-instructive.html
Area of Practice:
Maria was called to the Bar in 1995. Her practice is exclusively family law with a particular emphasis on ancillary relief. Her practice predominantly concerns claims where the asset wealth is in the order of several million pounds. She has been involved in contested proceedings involving issues of serious non-disclosure, assets outside of the jurisdiction and International Trusts. She is also a strong advocate in private children law disputes (including child abduction and financial claims on behalf of a child under Schedule 1). She has a reputation for being warm and friendly with solicitors and clients yet an extremely tenacious and strong advocate in Court.
Other Achievements:
Gray’s Inn Senior Scholar: David Karmel award (1994) and the Sir Raymond Philips MD award (1995)
Contact Maria Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: clerks@7br.co.uk