She has worked with a variety of sporting codes, and not-for-profit organisations, including:

• Sport: Aero sports, American football, Athletics, Badminton, Bowls, Canoeing, Cricket, Cycling, Diving, Equestrian, Golf, Gymnastics, Handball, Hockey, Motorcycling, Motorsport, Netball, Pony club, Rowing, Rugby league, Shooting, Snow sports, Squash, Surf life-saving, Swimming, Tennis, Touch, Triathlon, Yachting.
• Not-for-Profit: Community recreation, Counselling services, Industry training organisations, Life education, Outdoor pursuits.

History

Maria began advising sports organisations and athletes, in the early 1990s, when she practiced at Wellington law firm, Brandon Brookfield, which later merged with national law firm Simpson Grierson Butler White. In the late 1990s, rugby union became professional in New Zealand and this heralded a new era, for sport and the law, and provided the stimulus for growth in this area.

A three year stint in Melbourne, working exclusively in sports law leading into the Sydney Olympic Games, prompted Maria to return to New Zealand to establish her own practice in 2000. It was the first legal practice in New Zealand to provide legal advice, exclusively, to the sports law sector.

Maria Clarke Lawyers was then established in October 2007 and, recognising the synergies between the sectors of sport and not-for-profit organisations, it wasn’t long before the firm was an expert provider in both areas.

Values

Maria has strong values which underpin how she works with clients and as a firm. She cares, and is passionate about sport and the community. She understand the context in which legal issues arise, in the sport and not-for-profit sectors.  Unlike any other law firm in New Zealand Maria works with sport, and not-for-profit, organisations every day making her an expert in her field of practice. Maria prides herself on being efficient, cost-effective, and resolving problems with practical solutions.

The key values are to:

• Contribute to New Zealand society and its communities
• Be passionate about sport and support those doing "good" in society
• Provide outstanding service and seek to excel in all we do
• Be trusted and reliable advisors
• Work together and care about those she works with and works for 

Fees

Maria understands the financial constraints of sport and not-for-profit organisations so she offers a range of alternative fee arrangements, including fixed fees. She appreciates that every dollar is critical so prides herself on providing value for money.

As she works on issues, affecting sport and not-for-profit organisations, every day she has an expansive precedent base to work from. This helps to keep the costs to a minimum and her expertise means that she isn't starting from scratch.