About us
Welcome to Schneider Legal
At Schneider Legal, we provide clear, expert legal support across three core service areas:
1. Criminal Law
Experienced defence representation at first instance and on appeal. Our firm has a strong record of success in both sentence and conviction appeals, including matters that have set important legal precedents.
2. Mediation Services
Skilled mediation to resolve civil, commercial, workplace, and employment disputes. We focus on practical outcomes, preserving relationships and minimising disruption.
3. Commercial & Business Legal Support
Pragmatic advice for businesses and commercial matters. Whether you’re navigating contracts, disputes, or structuring decisions, we help you move forward with confidence.
We also welcome criminal law consulting enquiries, providing guidance to individuals, organisations, and other legal professionals.
At Schneider Legal, we serve each client with the highest level of care and skill. When appropriate, we brief leading barristers, allied professionals, and management consultants to strengthen your legal position and deliver results.
About Madeleine Schneider
Madeleine Schneider, Executive Director & Principal Solicitor
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.
Your Trusted MEDIATION & Legal Partner
Law Society of NSW
The expertise and professionalism which forms the cornerstone of Specialist Accreditation remains an easily identifiable choice
The Lawyer Mediator Accreditation Scheme (LMA Scheme) is designed to uphold integrity and trust in mediation while fostering public confidence in mediation as an effective dispute resolution solution
The standards that guide training, assessment, accreditation and service delivery for mediators
The peak dispute resolution membership organisation in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand
One of the world’s leading organisations for mediation training and accreditation