Maria joined Cavell Leitch Law in 2008 to further her interests in Trusts and Estate Planning law. Since then she has consolidated her experience in Family Trusts, Charitable trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Elder law and Asset Protection generally.
Maria has a variety and depth of experience. Immediately prior to joining Cavell Leitch, she worked for two other Christchurch law firms where her interest in Trusts and Asset protection was sparked. During that time she gained experience in residential, rural and commercial property transactions, business sales and purchases, employment issues, relationship property issues, Wills and Trust law.
After graduating from Canterbury University in 1975, Maria lectured Company Law, Contract Law and Commercial Law at Massey University's evolving Faculty of Business Studies, for three years.
From there Maria went to Papua New Guinea (PNG) where her work included negotiating and drafting Government contracts with mutli-national US based corporations. At times this involved attending negotiations with their solicitors in the US.
She also travelled to the World Bank in Washington on several occasions to set up loans for the PNG Government. During her last two years in PNG Maria worked for a private law firm set up by the former State Solicitor. In that role she advised foreign companies which were negotiating contracts with the PNG Government.
After five years in PNG, Maria returned to New Zealand. For a number of years she focused exclusively on raising four children and then tutored law at Canterbury University, returning to private practice in 2000.
Maria is a former Dutch national who is fluent in her native tongue and has a working knowledge of several languages including German.
