Maria-Elena Cheshire is a Solicitor based in our Oxford office where she works as part of the Private Crime department. She deals with all areas of criminal law, regardless of the nature of the offence.
Maria-Elena has had a varied and interesting career within the criminal justice system, both in the UK and in Western Australia. Maria-Elena was called to the Bar in 1989, but wanting greater client contact and control over her files, she re-qualified as a solicitor in 1992. Initially as a trainee solicitor, Maria-Elena worked for Bobbetts Mackan solicitors in Bristol (the firm that represented Fred West), but returned to her home area of Oxfordshire in 1994 to establish a criminal department for Hodsons’ solicitors.
Maria-Elena was successful in building up a strong and loyal client base. She regularly attended the police station for her own clients and as a duty solicitor in Wantage, Didcot and Abingdon police stations. She firmly believes that representation at the police station is crucial to assisting clients and could impact upon the outcome of a case.
In 2003, Maria-Elena emigrated to Western Australia with her family, and was employed as a Federal Prosecutor with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. This position involved working closely with the Australian Federal Police dealing with cases of child exploitation, people smuggling, importation of drugs and organised crime. Examples of other federal offences included fraud of the Australian Tax Office, passport offences (Australia Post), extradition warrants, surveillance and listening device warrants, importation of illegal fauna and flora (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service), and illegal fishing in Australian waters (Australian Border Force) to name a few. Maria-Elena represented the Prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court, District Court (equivalent to the UK Crown Court) and the Supreme Court (higher court dealing with indictable only matters). She was instructed as junior counsel in the Supreme Court in respect of the case of R v Sukkar, at that time the largest importation of cocaine in WA (100kgs).
Returning to her defence roots, Maria-Elena set up her own firm of Cheshire Legal Pty Ltd in 2010 and represented clients after they had been charged at the police station through to their jury trial, if applicable. Western Australia allows solicitors to act as Barrister-Solicitor advocates and Maria-Elena routinely represented her own clients if they pleaded not guilty and their trials were heard in the District Court before a judge and jury. Maria-Elena dealt with the whole gambit of criminal offending from drink driving cases, burglary, grievous bodily harm, restraining orders, through to rape, child exploitation and child sexual abuse offences, cyber-crime offences, and death by dangerous driving.
In 2015, Maria-Elena and her family returned to the UK and she became a legal adviser in the Magistrates’ Courts, assisting the Lay Magistrates on issues of criminal law, procedure and sentencing, and would often sit with the local District Judge. This experience provided an invaluable insight into ‘behind the scenes’ of a Magistrates’ Court and how magistrates approach cases. The role of a legal adviser required up-to-date knowledge of legislation, procedural regulations, sentencing considerations, etiquette of court appearances, required codes of conduct of advocates, and the ability to manage a busy list of cases whilst navigating the IT requirements of video links and Common Platform (the magistrates’ courts’ case management system).
Maria-Elena always puts her clients’ needs first; she is a sympathetic listener and non-judgemental, having dealt with the most serious of offending throughout her career. She is patient, meticulous in her preparation of cases and a strong advocate, presenting clear and succinct arguments to achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. Magistrates, Judges and juries welcome her no-nonsense approach, speaking plain English and demonstrating a determination to fight for her client, despite the odds. Maria-Elena is able to research obscure areas of law for the benefit of her clients.
Having joined Reeds in 2025, Maria-Elena is continuing her long-standing commitment to defending clients with integrity, passion and professionalism.
Memberships and Qualifications
- Law Society Member (UK)
- LLB (Hons)
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales
- Admitted to the Supreme Court of Western Australia
- Autism Awareness Trained
This Solicitor has received training on understanding Autism and Neurodiversity from the National Autistic Society.
This means that they have a greater awareness of how to communicate clearly, reduce unnecessary stress and adapt their approach to better support individual needs for our clients, making reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Recent and notable cases
The client was jointly charged with his father with a string of armed robberies. Appeared before the Supreme Court for the youth. Supreme Court Judge agreed to impose a suspended sentence.
The client committed arson and killed an adult female and her two children. Instructing solicitor in the Magistrates’ Court. Briefed KC (QC at the time) and instructed psychiatrist to determine mental health issues relating to a ‘personality disorder’.
Female client of good character turned right into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist who died instantly. Plea of guilty and mitigation ensured a suspended sentence.
A father was charged with historical rape of his daughter. After the Jury trial the client was acquitted.
Male pastor faced a historical rape allegation. Case dealt with before a Supreme Court judge in the WA ecclesiastical court.
Instructing solicitor for client also known as ‘Mr Anonymous’, charged on Indictment with offences relating to the hacking of the Australian and Indonesian governments’ security systems. Secured a suspended sentence. High level of media and political attention.
Importation of 100kg of cocaine into Western Australia, which was the biggest importation of drugs at that time. Junior counsel in the Supreme Court for the trial of Sukkar.
Testimonials
Reeds are an extremely professional and high quality firm. Maria - Elena Cheshire was my solicitor, she answered all my questions, guided me through the process and worked tirelessly to get me the outcome I desired. She took the time to hear all my concerns and the issues I was facing, and made the perfect plan of action to get the desired result. I am extremely grateful to Reeds and Maria-Elena, and would highly recommend their services to anyone.
A.C
Maria-Elena from Reed’s Solicitors was outstanding. She was extremely professional, always contactable, and incredibly personable. I felt she genuinely had my best interests at heart and trusted her completely. During the hearing at the Magistrates’ Court, she explained everything in a clear, simple way while being thoroughly detailed. Once in court, her professionalism shone through, and she represented me brilliantly. Thanks to her, I received the very best outcome possible given the circumstances.
K.G
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all the support, guidance and professionalism you have shown throughout my case and what seemed to be a dark period in my life. Your calm and professional approach made every difference. Please pass on my thanks to anyone else on your team who assisted with my case.
C.O
I also just wanted to say, again, how incredibly thankful I am for everything you have done for me. I genuinely cannot put into words how grateful I am for your support, professionalism, and kindness throughout all of this. I truly feel very lucky to have had you representing me.
S.A