Maria I. O. Stephenson, ADR Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Criminal Defense · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatStephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C.
New Orleans, LA
Practicing adr in New Orleans since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 5
- Bar admissions
Are you Maria I. O. Stephenson?
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Quick answer
Maria I. O. Stephenson is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Criminal Defense. Maria has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Criminal Defense
- Handles ADR, Business, and Criminal Defense matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Maria I. O. Stephenson: Maria I. O. Stephenson is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Criminal Defense. Maria has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Maria's practice areas in New Orleans
Maria concentrates on adr, business, criminal defense, estate planning, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Maria handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Immigration
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Insurance
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International
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Litigation
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Maritime
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Personal Injury
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Probate
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Product Liability
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Trusts
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Wills
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Workers Comp
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ADR cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Maria takes adr matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Maria agrees to represent you.
Business cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Maria takes business matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Maria agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Maria takes criminal defense matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Maria agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Maria takes estate planning matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Maria agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Maria takes family law matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Maria agrees to represent you.
Biography
Maria I. O. Stephenson, adr attorney serving New Orleans
Maria I. O. Stephenson is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Criminal Defense. Maria has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews. Maria works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on adr matters across the region.
Ms. Maria I. O. Stephenson is a lawyer practicing arbitration, family, construction & development and 18 other areas of law. Maria received a B.A. degree from Tulane University in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Maria practices at Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C. in New Orleans, LA.
Working with Maria on a adr matter
Ms. Maria I. O. Stephenson is a lawyer practicing arbitration, family, construction & development and 18 other areas of law. Maria received a B.A. degree from Tulane University in 1973, and has been licensed for 50 years. Maria practices at Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C. in New Orleans, LA.
Who Maria represents
Maria reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and criminal defense matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Maria studied and practices
University of Houston
J.D. · 1975
Tulane University
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Maria's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
Texas
1976 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1976 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
Maria studied at J.D. in University of Houston and B.A. in Tulane University.
Law school and academic background
Maria completed J.D. in University of Houston and B.A. in Tulane University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Maria runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Maria's legal honors and published work
Maria has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Maria's professional memberships and bar associations
Louisiana State and American Bar Associations State Bar of Texas Louisiana Association of Defense Counsel American Immigration Lawyers Association Maritime Law Association of the United States Louisiana Hispanic Lawyers Association
President, 1997-1998 · membership
Locations
Maria I. O. Stephenson's office in New Orleans
Maria's primary office is at 400 Poydras St., Ste. 1990, New Orleans, LA, 70130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Stephenson, Chávarri & Lambert, L.L.C.
400 Poydras St., Ste. 1990
New Orleans, LA 70130
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Maria I. O. Stephenson — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Maria. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in New Orleans.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Maria I. O. Stephenson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Maria I. O. Stephenson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Maria usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Maria charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Maria's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Maria will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Maria
Maria discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Maria confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Maria's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Maria I. O. Stephenson
How much does it cost to hire Maria for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Maria walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Maria offer a free consultation?
Maria charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Maria's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check Maria's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Maria gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Maria take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
Maria is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Maria will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Maria?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Maria will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Maria accepting new adr clients right now?
Maria's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
Maria handles adr matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Louisiana
If Maria's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.