Maria Teresa Bates

I founded Sew Much Hope Project, LLC, a social enterprise, in 2017. As we grew and our needs changed, we found ourselves in an exciting but complicated new phase of development: merging with the Refugee and Migrant Women's Initiative, an existing 501(c)3. As two leaders and founders, we had poured ou...r hearts, souls, and 100s of hours of unpaid time into developing our organizations. Therefore, it was imperative that we proceeded with care and a clear understanding of the legal implications and long-term impact of every decision we made. Maria could not have been a better caretaker of our vision. She walked with us every single step of the way, from assessing our programmatic structure to Board training and everything in between. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we would not be the robust and dynamic organization we are today without her knowledge of nonprofit law and "boots on the ground" mentality. In addition, her intelligent, empathetic, and experienced guidance was indispensable and made the whole journey enjoyable. Thank you, Maria, for your dedication and determination.

Maria has been working with our nonprofit organization on a pro bono basis; she has done an incredible job providing legal and strategic guidance, contract drafting and negotiation, and compliance insight as we assessed our programs and plotted a course for long-term growth and development. Throughou...t the entire process, she added to the value of our organization through her work ethic and analytical skills. As a result, we have a more structured organization with clear, specific, thoroughly developed plans of action for our current programs and a blueprint for our future growth. Maria is very focused and task-oriented, yet she still relates to her clients on a more personal level, cheering each success or uplifting spirits when the inevitable roadblocks occurred...and she always helped us find the path forward. We are very thankful for her dedication to her clients, her passion for her work, and the sincerity of her heart while working with our board and staff. Maria thank you for reminding us that dreams do indeed come true when you wake up and take the first step forward… Highly recommend!

Maria Bates helped my husband and me work with a surrogate to have our twin boys. She was terrific. She’s capable, caring, responsible, and responsive. As a law professor at Stetson University College of Law, I first met Maria when she was a student. Even then, she was enthusiastic about family f...ormation and her ability to help people achieve their goals. I’ve watched her grow as a professional ever since and finally became a client myself. I couldn’t be more proud of the professional Maria has become and recommend her highly. - Professor Joe Morrissey

Maria helped me with an adult adoption and not only knew how to quickly navigate the legal side but was able to provide myself and my daughter personal advice from her own experiences as an adoptive parent. I've continued to reach out to Maria for legal advice in complicated cases and she is a fierce... advocate and always knows exactly how to navigate the challenge. Maria has provided pro-bono services for our community and is a quick strategic thinker that can figure out how to move barriers to make things happen. I can't say enough good things about her services.

I am honored to write a recommendation for Maria Bates. I used Maria’s services when I adopted my son. She walked alongside me during one of the most exciting, stressful and ultimately life changing times. She took the time to get to know me and shared some of her own journey which helped me feel sup...ported. Maria is truly passionate about family formation. She understood and anticipated my questions and concerns before I even asked them. Maria and her team were advocates for both me and the birth parents. Their support helped us create a close and trusting relationship. So much so that the birth mother asked me if I would be with her in the delivery room when my son was born – which remains the most amazing and moving experience of my life. Maria’s support for us didn’t end when the adoption was finalized. While our adoption was eight years ago, Maria has reached out periodically just to check in. Because of her ongoing professionalism and support, I would not hesitate to contact Maria for any type of legal service in the future.