Over the relatively short period I knew Maria as a colleague, I quickly gained a respect for her intellect and stamina, which developed into admiration and affection for a truly talented lawyer and a generous and gregarious person. She combined her formidable legal acumen with a love of life that made her great fun to be around. Being summoned to 'an audience with Maria' was always a pleasure, as she would inevitable dovetail the working purpose of the meeting with some gossip or scandalous anecdote. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her. James