About mary stephan
Principal Solicitor | Stephan & Co Lawyers | Sydney, NSW
Mary Stephan is the Founder and Principal Solicitor of Stephan & Co Lawyers, a boutique Sydney law firm providing expert legal representation in Family Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Wills & Estates, Immigration and Construction Law across Sydney and New South Wales.
Based in Sydney CBD and serving communities across the greater Sydney area - from the Northern Beaches to Western Sydney, the Inner West to the Eastern Suburbs - Mary represents individuals, families and businesses who need clarity, dedication and strong legal strategy during life's most challenging moments.
A Different Kind of Law Firm
At Stephan & Co Lawyers, you won't be passed between junior associates, left waiting days for callbacks, or treated as just another billable hour. Mary built this practice because she believes clients deserve better - direct access to experienced counsel, thoughtful strategy tailored to their specific circumstances, and a solicitor who is genuinely invested in achieving the best possible outcome.
Mary approaches every matter with composure, precision and foresight. She understands that legal issues rarely exist in isolation - they affect reputation, family stability, financial security and long-term outcomes. Whether you're facing a criminal charge that could impact your career, navigating a family breakdown that will reshape your children's lives, protecting assets through estate planning, or resolving a property dispute, Mary recognizes the broader implications at stake.
Her approach is never purely transactional. She considers how today's legal decisions will affect your tomorrow, crafting strategies that protect both your immediate interests and your future. This holistic perspective, combined with meticulous preparation and clear-eyed analysis, means clients receive not just legal advice, but strategic counsel designed to safeguard what matters most.
proven expertise across multiple practice areas
Mary's legal experience spans the full spectrum of matters that impact everyday Australians:
Family Law – Separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, property settlements and intervention orders. Mary provides steady, pragmatic guidance through emotionally complex situations while protecting your interests and your children's wellbeing.
Criminal Law – From traffic offenses to serious indictable matters, Mary brings analytical precision and strategic defense to every case, ensuring your rights are protected and every avenue is explored.
Property Law – Residential and commercial conveyancing, leasing agreements, property disputes and contract review.
Wills & Estates – Comprehensive estate planning, will drafting, probate applications, estate administration and contested estate matters.
Immigration Law – Visa applications, appeals and citizenship matters, helping individuals and families navigate Australia's complex immigration system.
Construction Law – Building disputes, contract negotiations and construction-related litigation.
Mary regularly appears in the Local Court, District Court of NSW, Supreme Court of NSW, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. She is admitted to practice in both the NSW Supreme Court and the High Court of Australia, and is a member of the Law Society of New South Wales.
academic foundation
Mary's legal expertise is built on rigorous academic training:
Master of Applied Law (Family Law)
Bachelor of Law
Bachelor of Social Science (Crime and Criminal Justice)
This diverse educational background allows Mary to approach legal issues from multiple angles -understanding not just the law, but the human and social dimensions of each case. Her background in criminology and social science informs her empathetic yet strategic approach to representing clients.
why choose stephan & co Lawyers?
Direct Access to Your Solicitor When you call Stephan & Co, you speak with Mary—not a receptionist taking messages or a junior solicitor still learning the ropes. Your case receives Mary's personal attention from start to finish.
Genuine Investment in Your Outcome Mary doesn't operate a high-volume practice where clients are processed through a system. She takes on a carefully managed caseload, ensuring each client receives the time, thought and strategic planning their matter deserves.
Experience Without the Big Firm Price Tag With years of experience at both mid-tier and boutique firms, Mary brings top-tier legal expertise without the institutional overhead and inflated billing practices of large commercial firms.
Clear Communication, No Legal Jargon Legal problems are stressful enough without deciphering complicated terminology. Mary explains your options in plain English, ensuring you understand your position and can make informed decisions about your case.
Strategic Thinking Combined with Compassion Mary understands that behind every legal matter is a person facing uncertainty, stress or upheaval. She combines meticulous legal strategy with genuine empathy—fighting assertively for your interests while recognizing the human side of your situation.
Courtroom Confidence With regular appearances across NSW courts and tribunals, Mary has the litigation experience to advocate effectively when matters can't be resolved through negotiation. Clients benefit from a solicitor who is equally comfortable in the courtroom as in the conference room.
When Your Future Is at Stake, Experience and Dedication Matter
At Stephan & Co Lawyers, every matter is handled with strategy, strength and genuine care—because you deserve a solicitor who is as invested in your outcome as you are.