Business Details
Experienced Multilingual Legal Representation in New Orleans
Stephenson, Chvarri & Dawson is a multilingual law firm with decades of combined experience serving clients in New Orleans, across the U.S., and internationally. Our team of AV peer-review rated attorneys specializes in family law, immigration law, criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning, and international commercial law, offering personalized representation rooted in deep legal expertise and cultural understanding. Certified by the Women's Business Enterprise Council, we provide court-certified translation services in Spanish, French, and Portuguese, enabling effective communication with clients and legal professionals worldwide.Our practice combines the resources of a large firm with the attentive service of a boutique, prioritizing long-term client relationships and solutions tailored to complex legal challenges. With a track record of successful outcomes in state, federal, and international matters, we maintain strong ties to consular offices and industry networks while upholding a tradition of service and results-driven advocacy.
Services
Family Law
Immigration Law
Criminal Defense
Estate Planning
Personal Injury
Business Law
Insurance Defense
International Commercial Law
Translation Services
Workers Compensation
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of combined legal experience across diverse practice areas.
- Court-certified translation services in Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
- AV peer-review rated for professional excellence and client satisfaction.
- Certified by the Women's Business Enterprise Council for diversity leadership.
- Established relationships with consular offices and international legal networks.
Associations and certifications
- AV peer-review rated
- Women's Business Enterprise Council
- Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
What people say
Super responsive
Best law firm ever
Pleased with everything
Reasonable fees
Trusted advisors
Services
Family Law
Our family law practice addresses divorce, child custody, international adoptions, and property disputes with cultural sensitivity and legal precision. We guide clients through mediation, collaborative law, or litigation while prioritizing family well-being. With multilingual attorneys and international expertise, we resolve complex cross-border custody and adoption cases efficiently.
Immigration Law
We handle employment visas, family petitions, deportation defense, and citizenship applications with specialized knowledge of immigration consequences in criminal cases. Our court-certified translator ensures accurate document processing and communication for clients from over 30 countries. The firm represents businesses and individuals in EB-5 visas and consular processing.
Criminal Defense
Our defense team represents clients in DUI, drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and federal cases with a focus on minimizing immigration consequences. Fluent in Spanish and French, we advocate for dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing while maintaining client communication in their preferred language.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure asset protection and smooth succession. Our attorneys administer complex estates, handle probate litigation, and structure trusts to minimize tax burdens while complying with Louisiana's unique legal framework.
Personal Injury
We pursue compensation for car accidents, maritime injuries, and workplace accidents on a contingency basis. Our team handles FELA claims, product liability cases, and wrongful death suits, leveraging multilingual support for international clients and a track record of million-dollar settlements.
People
Maria I. O'Byrne Stephenson
Attorney
Practicing law for 33 years, Maria combines deep legal knowledge with a client-focused approach to complex litigation and business matters.
Catherine I. Chvarri
Attorney
A U.S. court-certified translator with expertise in immigration and international law, Catherine advocates for clients in multiple languages.
Sean R. Dawson
Attorney
With 18+ years of experience, Sean specializes in criminal defense and personal injury cases, emphasizing aggressive representation and client communication.
Candice Sirmon
Attorney
Candice focuses on family law and estate planning, providing culturally sensitive solutions for Louisiana families and businesses.
Questions
What areas of law does Stephenson, Chvarri & Dawson specialize in?
We specialize in family law, immigration, criminal defense, personal injury, estate planning, and international commercial law.
Do you offer multilingual legal services?
Yes, our attorneys speak English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese, with court-certified translation available.
Can you handle international legal matters?
Yes, we represent clients globally in immigration, cross-border family law, and international business disputes.
Are your attorneys qualified in Louisiana courts?
All attorneys are licensed in Louisiana with decades of combined experience in state and federal courts.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call 504-523-6496 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation with an attorney.
