Maria Monan is a founding senior partner at Monan Gozzett LLP and a Higher Court Advocate, with over 30 years’ experience in the legal profession. She advises private clients, high-net worth individuals, company directors, and corporations across a broad range of legal cases, including family, criminal and a wide range of dispute and regulatory matters. These often involve a cross-jurisdictional element.
She has represented a number of business and industry experts, media, and popular culture celebrities in high profile cases. Maria has a proven track record of success in winning contested cases at trial that often requires the ability to deal effectively with the press and to address any defamation implications for her clients.
As a senior partner Maria has overall responsibility for the Firm’s family case portfolio, together with her specialist expertise areas of law in education, criminal and regulatory. These include business crime and white-collar fraud, false allegations, serious sexual; harassment and stalking allegations, international arrest warrants and Interpol red notices.
In line with the ethos of the Firm, Maria always aims to get matters settled or dropped before going to trial in order to avoid the costly and distressing experience of the trial process. She has a proven track record of success in getting cases discontinued at the earliest opportunity in order to avoid going to trial.
However, where a case does need to progress to trial, Maria frequently works alongside the Country’s leading King's Counsel and has specific experience in preparing and handling complex and sensitive trials across all types of legal matters, as well as dealing with a variety of POCA related matters including confiscation.
In her professional regulatory work, Maria specialises in defending various professionals, including teachers, doctors and accountants in disciplinary proceedings before their respective regulatory bodies.
As an education specialist, Maria represents parents who have disputes with schools, colleges, universities and education boards. She also handles and advises on other complex educational matters, for example, with various boards of governors in school related disputes.
Maria has been featured in the Legal 500 and is listed as a leading lawyer for false allegation cases in the UK edition of Super Lawyers. She was awarded "Best in Financial Criminal Defence - UK" by the Woman in Wealth Awards. Maria was President of the Chichester Law Society from 2015 to 2016.
If you would like to speak to our expert legal team about this, or any related subject then please contact our team by phone on 0207 936 6329, Email or by completing our Quick Contact Form below.
Together Maria Monan, Louise Turner and Joanne Coller instruct KC Sarah Elliot to represent our client, an engineer, charged with 2 counts of historic indecent assault. The client was found not guilty by a unanimous jury after only 27 minutes in deliberations, following a 4 day trial whereby submissions within the defence case highlighted the multiple inconsistencies within the complainants accounts along with photographic material presented to the jury in evidence, to highlight the dates and logistics of the allegations could not have been possible.
Together with instructed Kings Counsel, Maria and Joanne achieved a not guilty verdict for their client, a former PCSO who was arrested and charged with sexual assault and rape following an allegation made after meeting a member of the public in a nightclub during a work Christmas party. The client was found not guilty by a unanimous jury on both counts.
Following a 3 day trial within the Crown court, client is found not guilty by a unanimous jury on both counts of sexual offences, involving sexual assault and exposure. Maria and Joanne together with instructed counsel prepared the case over 2 years, focusing on inconsistencies with both the complainant and prosecution witnesses evidence.
With Joanne, secured ‘no further action’ following the arrest and subsequent police station investigation of a veterinary surgeon, that could have had catastrophic implications for the client and that of his career and future practice. The police investigation was swiftly closed following a full investigation that was concluded with no reasonable prospect of conviction.
With Joanne, secured ‘No further action’ for a businessman, following a lengthy police station investigation following historic sexual allegations made against him by a family member. The allegations were baseless and no evidence to support the investigation was found. The case was closed at the earliest opportunity, preventing criminal court proceedings.
Recently assisted a university student who had false allegations made against him, having provided the police with additional defence evidence the investigation was concluded with 'No further action’ being taken against our client, however upon obtaining a copy of the police file it was clear there were a catalogue of errors on the data entry log which, for our client, who was in the midst of applying for university and subsequent career development, these errors could have had a detrimental impact on his future career if his record had not been obtained and corrected accordingly.
Worked with a retired vicar who had experienced false allegations being made against him. The matter was fully investigated by the police and, with our assistance, swiftly concluded at the initial police station stage with No further action taken. The client was not arrested and a voluntary interview was swiftly arranged as soon as we were made aware of the allegations against our client. Following a full police investigation assisted by the relevant local authorities and the subsequent withdrawal of the allegation from the complainant the matter was concluded. However we at Monan Gozzett highlight the importance of then proceeding to obtain a full copy of the police file held on the PNC. This is via a data access request to the relevant force, in order to establish key information that maybe recorded and most importantly to ensure the PNC record is correct
Maria Monan and Mellissa Piggott succeed in discontinuation of case at the Crown Court. Their client, a successful businessman and entrepreneur, faced an allegation of outraging public decency. The Crown offered no evidence on the first day of trial and a not guilty verdict was recorded.
Highly successful entrepreneur accused of sexual assault acquitted at trial after CCTV evidence obtained by the defence highlighted that the allegation was factually incorrect.
Defendant facing allegations of harassment and a breach of Restraining Order had the case dismissed before going to trial.
Secured a No Further Action decision for a foster carer in a false allegation matter. The investigation, which extended over a significant time period had originally been fully investigated and closed by the police however, the Complainant then proceeded to make further allegations which led to the reopening of the file, and considerable stress for our client and his family.
Maria and Mellissa succeed in discontinuing a case with a multiple-count Indictment at the Crown Court, prior to trial. The defendant faced allegations of harassment and a breach of Restraining Order and, following complex submissions and written representations on points of law, the case was dismissed before going to trial.
With Joanne, secured a No further action result for a London based Consultant and company director, following a false sexual allegation made against him. We dealt with the matter from the onset and arranged a Voluntary Police interview, ensuring the client was not arrested. Due to the evidence we submitted from the onset, the investigation was quickly NFA’d with the complainant now facing a subsequent charge for harassment
With Joanne, secured a No further action for a private school teacher who was the subject of a false sexual allegation from a former pupil. We took over the matter following the client’s original police interview. Following the submissions we provided to the investigating officer the matter was NFA’d at the police station stage as it did not meet the evidential test stage for the matter to proceed to the CPS.
Community resolution secured for schoolboy in respect of an investigation into a high-value criminal damage and burglary case, as a result of robust representation at the police station stage.
Popular culture celebrities accused of child neglect, discontinued at the police station after lengthy defence investigations.
Company director accused of indecent assault investigation discontinued after written representations.
Media Personality accused of two counts of child cruelty successfully acquitted at Court following comprehensive investigation into social media evidence.
Professional businessman charged with GBH, following comprehensive preparation, the instruction of leading Queens Counsel and an expert physician the defendant was acquitted by the jury following a submissions of no case to answer.
Pilot investigated for making false representations to obtain a license, case discontinued after written representations.
Businessman accused of historic allegations of rape, and attempted rape acquitted after expert evidence obtained by the defence to show partial alibi.
Female manager accused of sexual assault by former staff members. Due to Maria's active intervention, the case was finalised with 'no further action' from the police.
No Further Action at the police station investigation stage for a student and community volunteer who was falsely accused of rape while attending his own birthday party.
Musician accused of Assault - avoided a custodial sentence.
Health care professional accused of historic sex allegations against children - Discontinued by the police at investigation stage after extensive defence investigations resulting in written representations for the disclosure of information that could have undermined the Crowns case.
Medical student accused of rape, investigation discontinued after written representations made.
Student accused of threats to kill, discontinued after written representations.
Schoolboy accused of two allegations of rape, investigation discontinued after written representations.
No Further Action achieved for Professional male in reference to an online harassment allegation made by a previous partner during lockdown.
Retired care professional accused of multiple rapes and sexual assault, Defendant acquitted following lengthy case preparation and defence investigations.
Ex-pat historic false allegation case resulted in no further action after the removal of an interpol all ports arrest warrant, full case review, preparation and guidance through voluntary interview.
Special constable accused of child neglect offences discontinued after new evidence brought to light in written representations.
Young teacher accused of assault of a child discontinued at the police station. A complex case - defence preparation prior to interview highlighted significant factual differences and a general lack of support and paucity of training which ultimately led to no further action being taken by the police.
Young mother accused of GBH (baby shaking) – Discontinued by police at investigation stage, the Defence having highlighted the negligence of hospital physicians. Child returned to mother’s care as a result.
Minister accused of ABH, allegation involved kicking the alleged aggrieved to the head. The defence maintained client had acted solely in defence of another and that the allegations were factually incorrect - acquitted at trial.
Defendant accused of conspiracy to commit fraud acquitted at trial defence having located key evidence after undertaking detailed consideration of the substantial bundles of unused material supplied by the Crown (co-defendants convicted after trial, two of whom have been sentenced to custodial sentences of four and five years respectively).
Worked tirelessly in the trial preparation for our client who was the subject of historic sexual allegations made against him by a relation following a family breakdown. The defendant was unanimously acquitted of all charges after a week long trial.
I called Neal when the situation was desperate. That was undoubtedly the best call I have made in my life. Monan Gozzett did nothing less than give us our lives back... We could never have coped and got through things without having Maria and Ms Grey behind us. The absolute relief when the jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both counts is indescribable. The debt we owe them is incalculable. The value of what they gave us back is priceless. We could have had no idea how things would evolve from one false allegation. Without Maria and Ms Grey behind us, an innocent man could well have gone to prison. Click to read the full testimonial
John Coffey KC
Having worked with Maria Monan on many recent cases I have always been impressed by the quality of her instructions. She is able to combine an acute appreciation of her client's legal position with a realistic and down to earth approach to the evidential challenges which each case presents. In my experience this is a rare combination and one which will ensure that her clients' best interests are always safeguarded and promoted to maximum effect.
When I offered to write up a review of my experience of working with Maria Monan I readily agreed to do it. I then realised that it really wasn't that simple, as no words can really describe what she has done for me, my partner, my family and my life! Her specialist field of legal representation in false accusations is without a doubt the best that there is to offer, by far. My case was dealt with the upmost detail and with the personal attention that was needed from time to time, especially when the stress of the case was at it highest. I owe my liberty and future to her.
After being falsely accused of historic physical child abuse and neglect, I was totally overwhelmed by the situation and was in total shock. I received poor advice from the duty solicitor and it was clear that this was an area of law outside of his expertise and the expertise of local solicitors.
I didn't know where to turn to and I immediately started thinking of the worst case scenario - going to prison for something that I hadn’t done! As soon as I arrived home I knew that it was imperative to get expert legal advice and after searching the Internet I found Maria…I was an emotional wreck but I immediately felt supported and I knew that I had made the right choice.
My case was extremely complicated with a lengthy background of harassment and family disputes, but this was not a problem for Maria who has so much experience in dealing with these types of cases that there wasn't anything that she hadn’t heard before - making it easy for her to pick out the relevant evidence.
Maria …provided me with excellent legal representation and it was thanks to Maria's superlative written representations to the CPS and the police, that the case was dropped prior to charge. Maria ensured that the CPS and the police treated me fairly and took notice of my case, presenting a great deal of evidence that the police didn't have…
The investigating officer stated that Maria's representations led to a number of further enquiries that unearthed evidence that the police didn’t have. I strongly believe that if I had put my trust in the legal system and sat back until the investigation was complete, I would currently be waiting for a court date, facing financial ruin with my name in the papers and my reputation in tatters.
I can't thank Maria enough for what she has done for me and if you are reading this and are in a similar situation to me, stay strong and contact Maria as soon as you can. This has been the worst situation that I have ever been through but my life is now back to normal and I will be eternally grateful to Maria for her help.
From the moment Maria's services were engaged, my wife and I both felt supported, listened to and understood. Maria's proactive approach towards addressing the allegations to clear my name was appreciated as well as her understanding in how distressing this was for myself and family.
I would have to say that attending an interview was certainly one of the worst experiences of my life, but both at the pre-interview meeting and prior to the interview at the station, Maria's insight and help in presenting the facts meant that I was as prepared as I could have possibly been.
Having been told that the police were no longer going to pursue the case was a great relief, but it has taken months for life to get back to nearly normal and as I have previously mentioned even then it has taken a fresh start to get back a sense of normality.
I am glad to have been able to put this behind us all as a family. I would say to anyone who finds themselves being accused of such a serious allegation, that having a professional who specialises in your corner is essential. I feel that having Maria’s expertise on my side and how she dealt with this matter played a pivotal role in having the matter NFA'd at the initial stage.
Thank you again for your professionalism, help and support.
Monan Gozzett Solicitors successfully helped me through an upsetting and stressful time, but with Maria's professionalism and expertise enabled us to calmly get through what was a very unsettling period.
Maria's acumen and sensitivity supported by the team, helped us through a time of dreadful and unbelievable accusations. This has recently come to its finale with us achieving an apology and substantial compensation. We are grateful, not only for the success of the case, but for the way in which Maria & The Monan Gozzett team handled everything.
So here we are Maria, light finally at the end of this very long dark tunnel. I'm sat here shaking my head still trying to fathom out how all this could have happened, how a profession that is entrusted with the greatest responsibility of all, the education of the next generation, can treat such a valuable resource in her formative first year in such a shocking way!
The wounds will heal but I suspect a scar will remain for sometime.
Finally may I once gain thank you for your support throughout the process, a ridged force we all were able to cling onto!
The team is fantastic and caring, they provided support as well as a service. I would recommend them to anyone who asked. They keep you updated every step of the way and are always honest.
You have achieved more in one day than my previous solicitor in 5 months
Maria and Joanne. They are nothing short of the best when it comes to legal advice. They are quick to grasp, collect the facts and move forward in taking action. But they are more than that, they are your best support and friends in life during such a stressful time when I found myself dealing with false allegations. I cannot express how grateful I am to them for their support and professionalism. I did research them before I contacted Joanne and the minute I talked to her, she put me at ease. Most of the time it is the trust and support that people are looking for when they search for a firm to represent and defend themselves. On top of that, professionalism. This is what I want to highlight that you will receive from Monan Gozzett.
From the first moment we spoke to Loretta and then to Maria and Joanne, we felt easier about the situation we faced, being accused of things we had not done, by our own children. No one should have to face that situation!
We gained strength, courage, and never-ending support to face our future, and to hold on to what we know is the truth.
We can only say a huge thank you to you all for your support and kindness, we felt confident that we could ring at any time with any worries we had, we were assured every step of the way of what could happen next.
Both Maria, Joanne and Loretta helped us get our thoughts in order, and be able to understand what we needed to do. We would not hesitate to recommend them to help anyone going through a similar situation.
Honestly brilliant throughout, Maria and Joanne were dealing with everything for me. They sorted out my barrister, who was also brilliant.
The whole thing was unnecessary but luckily I came across MG solicitors and couldn’t recommend enough, if I ever have any need for legal matters in the future then these are the only people I want to deal with.
Thank you again!
Thank you Maria for being so brilliant with our son. You spoke with him with regard to his intelligence and his vulnerabilities, being strong and tough when needed, so he could actually listen / hear you, at a time when he really needed it.
Your advice was excellent and the course of action obviously just right in the circumstances - impressive in every way.
Finding myself arrested and falsely accused of assault came as a complete shock. The duty solicitor available to represent me at the police station that night did nothing to allay my very real fears that this matter might drag on into a Court case, and if the Police would prosecute such an allegation perhaps the Court might convict on it too? This was probably one of the most stressful periods of my life as the repercussions of a conviction would have devastating consequences on my career, livelihood and family.
I was fortunate to find Monan Gozzett in my search for a specialist in this field and from my first contact with them I felt tremendously reassured by their calm professionalism. It was a source of great relief to know that they had the expertise and experience to deal with just this sort of situation.
Maria understood the situation and made strong representations to the Police to enable my voice to be heard. Her strategy prevented any Court action and ultimately led to a swift and efficient conclusion to the matter. I could not have been in safer hands and I would not hesitate to recommend Maria to anyone in a similar situation.
It was such a relief to speak to someone who understood the the problem from the outset, Firearms Licencing is a very fragile and serious issue which can have long and stressful consequences but Maria took control from the start and got result I was hoping for.
It makes a real difference when you are worried about something that emails and calls are always answered proactively and never a problem. I am very grateful to Maria, Jess and the team at Monan Gozzett.
Having people on your side makes a world of difference, understanding how you feel about your problem but also get results too is a very real relief. Stop looking for anyone else you will be wasting your time Monan Gozzett will help, thoroughly recommended.
Thank you Maria for all of your work in this case, it was much appreciated and your advice to my family representation was excellent and most helpful.
Thank you Maria for all your help over the past 18 months and it goes without saying I am delighted with the outcome.
Maria's immediate response to my initial email sent in the early hours with a phone call at 9.00 am that morning started the process of my defence with dynamic lines of action.
Every meeting or phone call, was always full of professionalism and understanding for the issues I was facing.
My choice of Magistrate or Crown Court were meticulously explained and the implications given for each. Mellissa was also the perfect reassuring anchor, always keeping me informed, enabling me to keep myself grounded. Even when the first trial date was postponed, Neal’s attitude was always positive and continued to raise my spirits.
In court, counsel held the jury’s attention and everyone else in court, with strategic arguments being so well presented. With touches of irony, crucial points made perfectly, especially when questioning the witnesses and in counsel’s closing speech made a simple understandable narrative for the jury.
You phoned me immediately once the unanimous 'not guilty' verdict had been returned to share my relief and always went above and beyond with your concern for my welfare, especially when dealing with family allegations.
Once again my sincere thanks to you all and all the very best for a continuing successful practice.
I want to thank you Maria, Stephanie and the team at Monan Gozzett for your help, understanding, patience & diligence throughout these difficult last two & a half years.
I am so glad that you represented me & thank you for the work you did to achieve the right & just decision & enabling to me to move on with my life.
Once again, I thank you Maria for your kindness, it has been of great comfort to me and I know my parents are extremely grateful.
I would like to express my grateful thanks to your firm and especially Maria for the outstanding professionalism that you all used when handling the historic false allegations made against me.
The initial shock and distress that this caused me is indescribable. I could not believe that this was happening to me. The matter was further complicated because I do not reside in England or even in Europe.
After a day or so I had recovered sufficiently to search for help. I therefore headed to the search engines to find an expert and found Maria Monan and your firm. I read about Maria's experience and her qualifications. This impressed me very much.
I instructed Maria and over a short period of time, considering the mammoth task, she had identified the police officer in the case and the exact nature of the false allegations.
Your team under Maria's guidance successfully persuaded the police to send some disclosure of their case so that my defence could be organised.
It duly was and representations were sent to the officer in the case, this resulted in the removal of an "Interpol all ports arrest warrant" by the police and my voluntary return to England for an interview being agreed with the officer. This avoided me being arrested at the airport and taken in custody to the police station and all of the distress that that would have caused me.
I attended an interview at a police station with Maria and my wife to support me. I was obviously apprehensive but Maria guided me and although the interview was lengthy it seemed to go very quickly when I used Maria’s step by step approach.
After the interview I returned home and within three weeks I was advised by Maria that The police had officially informed her that 'No Further Action' would be taken against me. I am overjoyed and relieved to say the least.
I can only say how grateful I am to Maria and her team.
To anyone reading this who finds themselves in a similar position to me, I would say that Maria is an outstanding solicitor and one who can be trusted to give her all for her clients, she is a dedicated professional who has an extremely high success record. I’m sure that using a general solicitor and not a specialist would have resulted in a totally different situation. I dread to imagine what could have happened.
I’m very happy to have had all this stress removed from me and I can now return to a normal family life again.
Both my husband and I felt that Maria’s advocacy skills in the courtroom were first class displaying a superb balance between politeness and steely pursuit of the true facts. Maria has a demeanour and presence that inspires confidence.
We will be recommending Maria.
I would personally like to thank you for your advice and representation at court. Your strategic advocacy and professionalism I believe got me the best case scenario in court bearing in mind the seriousness of the charge, it was your due diligence and expertise that most impresses me and your ability to relate personally to my situation.
I found Maria to be very personable and she immediately put me at ease during a daunting time. The case was complex, but Maria understood the whole situation with ease. Maria's involvement from the outset was vital and her representation was robust and extremely knowledgeable. Ultimately, Maria's involvement secured an NFA at the police interview stage, leading to the relief that the right decision was made quickly.
Thank you for all of your work in this case, it was much appreciated and your advice to my family representation was excellent and most helpful.
Thank you for all your help over the past 18 months and it goes without saying I am delighted with the outcome.
Thank you for all of your help and extra attention which delivered the best possible result for our son. Your work after hours, instant support and sensitive handling of the case with our son was all very much appreciated. The advice you gave us, combined with your considered and experienced approach to his case made all the difference. We were so relieved that this didn’t drag on into court - or even result in a conviction! Thank you so much for everything.
LLB (Hons) in 1989.
Qualified as a solicitor in 1994.
False allegations.
Sexual offences
Harassment and Stalking allegations
Representations at Police Station investigation stage.
Business crime.
Money laundering.
Tax and VAT fraud.
POCA proceedings.
Complex criminal investigations.
Private crime.
Road traffic offences.
Senior Partner for over 20 years in a number of high profile law firms in London and the South East.
Law Society.
Former President of Chichester Law Society.
Specialist Fraud Panel.
Association of Higher Court Advocates (SAHCA).
The Fraud Lawyers Association.