Maria I. O’Byrne Stephenson

Maria I. O’Byrne Stephenson has built a distinguished legal career spanning multiple decades, representing clients across diverse areas of law. She has practiced in toxic tort and product liability defense, maritime law, workers’ compensation, insurance defense, immigration, international law, estate planning, probate, and litigation. With over half of her practice devoted to litigation, she has guided both individuals and organizations through challenging disputes with dedication and skill.

Maria began her academic path at Tulane University, where she earned a B.A. in French in 1973. She later pursued legal studies at the University of Houston Law Center, receiving her J.D. in 1975. Shortly after, she was admitted to practice in Louisiana and Texas in 1976, marking the start of a career defined by advocacy across state and international boundaries.

Maria gained early experience at Grisbaum & Kleppner before becoming a partner at Bryan, Nelson, Allen, Schroeder & Stephenson. She later operated her own practice for a decade, further broadening her legal expertise. Beyond her private practice work, she has also served as a consulting attorney for numerous Latin American Consulates in New Orleans, reinforcing her strong ties to the international community.

Maria’s career has been recognized with numerous honors, including Que Pasa Hispanic Attorney of the Year in 1990, La Prensa Attorney of the Year in 1997, and Aqui New Orleans Attorney of the Year in 1998. She was also awarded the Diploma al Merito by the government of Mexico in 1994 and the Tributo de Reconocimiento from the government of Colombia in 1999. In addition, she served as Honorary Consul of Peru from 1999 to 2009, reflecting her dedication to fostering cross-cultural and international relations.

Maria I. O’Byrne Stephenson is also active in professional and community associations, holding leadership roles in organizations such as the LA Hispanic Lawyers Association, the LA-Mexico Trade Association, and Shared Housing of New Orleans. Her longstanding commitment to both legal excellence and community service underscores a career dedicated not only to law but also to building lasting impact across cultures and causes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Stephenson, Chávarri & Dawson, L.L.C.
• Member, American Immigration Association, 1986 to Present
• Member, LA Association of Defense Counsel, 1986 to Present
• Member, LA Pan American Commission, 1992 to 1995
• President, LA Hispanic Lawyers Association, 1997 to 1998
• Member, Maritime Law Association

Licensed State

• Texas
• Louisiana

Education

• University of Houston Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Tulane University
  BA in French

Awards & Badges