Maria Tsao Tu
also known as Maria Tu, 曹祖芳
About Maria
Biography
I call myself the "Common People" lawyer.
I was raised to be self sufficient ever since I was old enough to babysit and deliver newspaper. I worked to put myself through college, law school and master degree. During the first phase of my law practice, My objective was to become a "rich and famous" lawyer. When I clawed my way there to the top, I couldn't figure out why I was so unhappy...So, I walked away from everything --my high paying salary, my condo by the lake, my personal shopper, my rich clients with limos and yachts, my supporters for politics, including my law practice....
IT TOOK 10 YEARS for me to realize that the most important thing in my life is not the admiration and envy of others, but what makes me the happiest. In 2004, I finally had enough courage to come back to the practice of law. I fell in love with being in the courtroom fighting the difficult fights. In the courthouse, I have cried, laughed, screamed, yelled, shouted, hated and loved, and all could happen in one day.... My colleagues have described me as "a lawyer with a passion". Whatever.... I love being in the courtroom.
我稱自己為“尋常百姓”律師。
我從小就自給自足，從照看孩子到送報紙。我用我的工作賺來的錢讀完大學，法學院，碩士學位。在我從事法律事務的第一階段，我想成為的是“名利雙收”的大律師。當我努力的爬到那人生的頂端，我無法弄清楚，為什麼我如此不快樂......所以，我走了,也遠離了一切 - 我的高工資，我的湖邊公寓，我的私人購物員，我的客戶所提供的豪華轎車和遊艇，我的政治支持者，包括我的法律事業....
我花了10年時間才發現我生命中最重要的不是別人的欽佩和羨慕，反而是那些可以讓我快樂的境況。在2004年，我終於有足夠的勇氣回來法律事業。我愛上了與在法庭上困難的戰鬥。在法院，我哭了，笑了起來，尖叫，大喊，大叫，恨和愛，而這一切有可能都發生在一天之內....我的同事們描述我是“充滿熱情的律師”。不管了....我喜歡在法庭上。
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 21 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 36 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Law offices of Maria Tu, P.C.
6600 Chase Oak Blvd., Suite 150, Plano, TX, 75023
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Maria Tsao Tu's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
49 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Immigration
Posted by PI CHUAN TING | January 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
強烈推薦給大家一位非常優秀的律師
我因刑案邀請曹律師作為我的辯護律師(曹女士也曾是我的移民律師),她憑藉豐富的刑事案件處理經驗使我安然取得刑事撤案結果,她的專業和溝通效率都令我非常的佩服,所以是值得我推薦給大家的律師,並且當你聘請一位經驗豐富的律師時一定要全然的信任與配合,才能得到滿意的結局.
Posted by Alice | March 31, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
A Thank You Letter
Five years ago, with Ms. Maria Tu’s help, I not only got my green card very smoothly, but also was exempted from the interview! This month, with Ms. Maria Tu’s help, I also successfully got my citizenship certificate. I have great admiration for her professional experience and care! I am really lucky...
Posted by Dennis | July 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Outstanding Job
My wife's sister had a sudden serious issue come into her life, concerning her marriage and subsequent immigration status with her and her son. We initially made an appointment with Maria primarily because she speaks mandarin Chinese, which is the first language of my sister-in-law. I am a career L...
Posted by anonymous | August 23, 2016 | Immigration
Highly Recommended, Very good Lawyer
I went to Maria for help on our immigration status. I was very informed and knowledgable. She responded to my emails even on the weekend and she provided all answers to my questions. My family appreciate her expertise. Very good lawyer!
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2014 | Immigration
PERSONAL VIEW
I was the victim of domestic violence, which also landed me in jail. With the help of a family friend, I was able to meet with my lawyer Maria Tu. She was able to quickly post bail for me and get me into a shelter for abused women. I was undocumented and illegal but Maria Tu helped me find benefits f...
Maria Tsao Tu's Lawyer Endorsements
"Maria Tu is one of the finest attorneys in our community. I have appreciated the mentorship she has provided me over the years."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Maria is an excellent attorney. She knows the law and knows how do get things done in a professional manner."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Tu is one of the finest attorneys in her state. I highly recommend her legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I recently had an opportunity to observe Maria's advocacy skills. She is a very through and well prepared lawyer. I endorse this lawyer."
"Maria is an awesome attorney. I have consulted with her on many questions. She has a brilliant mind."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Maria is a great person and an excellent attorney. She handles a large docket of criminal defense and immigration issues. She has a lot of experience and is very trustworthy. I'd have no hesitation to call her and ask her for advice."
"Maria is an excellent choice for a wide variety of legal needs."
"Ms. Tu is really a superb attorney. I love reading her answers to questions on Avvo and learning from her expertise and her incredible advise. I have been an attorney, judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and law professor, and I still learn from her every day. I would highly recommend her to everyone and anyone on Avvo."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Maria for many years. She has always demonstrated the utmost respect for her clients, the legal community and the law. I am proud to call Maria a friend as well as a sister in defending the laws of the Great State of Texas and the United States."
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Family lawyer
Commercial real estate lawyer
Juvenile law lawyer
Family lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Preeminent 4.5 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of Maria Tu, P.C.
2004 - 2005
Assistant District Attorney, Collin County District Attorney's Office
1995 - 2001
President, Yamamoto Sushi
1989 - 1993
Associate, Williams Kastner & Gibbs
1988 - 1989
Clerk, Kitsap County Superior Court
1986 - 1988
Legal Intern, Washington Education Association
1984 - 1985
Correspondence Assistant, US Senator Daniel J. Evans
Associations
2016 - Present
Collin County Women Lawyers AssociationMember
2015 - Present
DFW Taiwan Chamber of CommerceBoard Member
2006 - Present
Collin County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Collin County Bar Association, Juvenile Law SectionMember
2005 - Present
Plano Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2015
Dallas Chinese Community CenterBoard of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
Client's charges dismissed - alleged victim was arrested - Client's immigration status is Green Card pending
Education
1990
LL.M - Master of Laws
1988
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)
1983
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2008
Winning DWI Breath Test Cases
Publications
2015
2014
Languages
Mandarin
Chinese, Min Nan
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
How long does it take to erase my records to be erase after expunged
11 Dec 2023
Grounds for a re-trial?
23 Aug 2022
How long will it take someone who's on parole and discharged in County with no new charge to be released?
09 Jun 2021