About us

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Madeleine is the Executive Director and Principal Solicitor of Schneider Legal Pty Ltd. She is an experienced and highly qualified professional, holding a degree in law, a diploma in business as well as being a nationally accredited mediator in Australia and the United Kingdom. 

With 25+ years of private and public legal service experience, commencing as a paralegal at Baker & McKenzie and progressing to solicitor-in-charge of the Indictable Appeals practice at Legal Aid NSW, Madeleine established Schneider Legal Pty Ltd in January 2020.
 

Since her admission to the Supreme Court of NSW in 1998, Madeleine has acquired sound experience and skill as a legal practitioner through her work as an advocate and in performing the role of instructing solicitor.

Madeleine has established a reputation for being a practitioner of integrity and a courageous advocate.  In 2023, Madeleine was ranked by Doyle’s Guide as a recommended criminal defence solicitor in their “Best Lawyers, Sydney” listing.
 

An accredited specialist in criminal law, Madeleine has worked across numerous jurisdictions. She has conducted matters in the Children’s Court, Local Court, District Court and Supreme Court.  Madeleine is also skilled and accomplished in representing clients in the Court of Criminal Appeal, the Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia.

Representing the Aboriginal community in Western New South Wales formed the foundation of Madeleine’s commitment to social justice at the outset of her legal career.

Madeleine practices across all jurisdictions predominantly in defence of allegations of serious crime.  She is extensively instructed in appeals against sentence, conviction, and in response to appeals brought by the Crown including defending high-risk offender applications.  Her practice also involves cases seeking judicial review on the basis of a wrongful conviction.