Maria M. mitousiS, principal
Called to the Bar in 2006
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Email Maria
Phone (direct): 204.992.9900 (EXT 225)
Legal Assistant: Quinn Hill
Email Quinn
Founder & Principal Lawyer
Maria Mitousis is a builder of creative legal strategies, of a next-generation law firm, and of a healthier legal profession. As the founder of Mitousis Family Law Group, Maria leads an all-woman team of lawyers and support staff with a clear mandate: to evolve family law services into a modern, holistic, and client-centred model that meets the needs of the contemporary family.
With over 20 years of experience, Maria’s practice is defined by its exceptional versatility. She is an experienced litigator and arbitrator, yet she is equally regarded for her work as a mediator and collaborative practitioner. This 360-degree perspective allows her to navigate the most complex family transitions using the specific tool - whether in or out of the courtroom- that best serves her clients' long-term interests and emotional well-being.
Maria’s expertise is recognized at the highest levels of the North American legal community. In 2026, she was honoured with the Beverley McLachlin Award for Access to Justice by the American College of Trial Lawyer – a prestigious distinction reflecting her career-long commitment to systemic reform. She has been named one of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada since 2022, and under her leadership, her firm was recognized as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms by the Globe & Mail’s Report on Business and Best Lawyers™.
Beyond her practice, Maria is shaping the future of the bar. She teaches the Advanced Family Law course at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law and was designated a Jurist of Robson Hall in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the Juris Doctor program. A respected voice on the national stage, Maria is frequently invited to present on family law and professional wellness at major conferences for lawyers and judges, including the National Family Law Program. This commitment to high-level education ensures her clients and her team benefit from a practice rooted in the leading edge of legal theory and excellence.
A passionate advocate for professional sustainability, Maria is a founding co-chair of Law(yer) Strong, Manitoba’s peer support program. Whether she is representing Manitoba on the Canadian Bar Association’s Wellbeing Subcommittee or serving as a member of council of the Manitoba Bar Association, her focus remains on the health and resilience of the profession and improving access to justice. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Manitoba Bar Association’s President’s Award of Excellence and the National Women in Law Leadership (WILL) Award.
Deeply rooted in the Winnipeg community, Maria is a past director for the Manitoba Opera, Nature Manitoba, and the Mamingwey Burn Survivor Society. She brings that same spirit of service and leadership to her firm every day, ensuring that every client receives the sound counsel, compassion, and strategic direction they deserve.
Honours and Professional Recognition
National & International Legal Awards and Recognition
Beverley McLachlin Award for Access to Justice (2026) | American College of Trial Lawyers
Jurist of Robson Hall Designation (2022) | Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba
Stronger Together Award (2020) | Women in Law Leadership (WILL)
The Best Law Firms™ in Canada (2025)
The Best Lawyers in Canada™ – Family Law | Recognized annually since 2022
Canada’s Best Law Firms: Family Law (2021) | The Globe & Mail / Report on Business
· One of only 18 firms nationwide recognized for excellence in the field of Family Law.
Local Leadership in the Profession & Wellness
Council Member Award (2024) | Manitoba Bar Association
President’s Award of Excellence (2015) | Manitoba Bar Association
Community Involvement Award (2021) | Manitoba Bar Association
Academic & Public Recognition
Hellenic Canadian Lawyers' Association Student Scholarship (The Justice Karakatsanis Scholarship)
Skuli Johnson Gold Medal & Dean’s Honour Roll | University of Manitoba
The 150 Most Fascinating Manitobans (2019) | Manitoba 150th Edition
The 100 Most Fascinating Manitobans (2015) | Virgin Radio
Featured Participant, "Winnipeg Can Weather the Storm" (2020) | City of Winnipeg
