Mary Louise Phelps
About Mary
Biography
Mary Louise has been repeatedly recognized as one of the 10 Best Attorneys in Texas for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service. She was a Rising Star with Texas Super Lawyers. Published on “Family Law Negotiations” and “Examining Experts Effectively,” Mary Louise has contributed to the State Bar of Texas continuing legal education courses. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Austin Bar Association.
Mary Louise earned her undergraduate business degree (B.S.M.) from Tulane University in 2001. She obtained her law degree (J.D.) and graduate business degree (M.B.A.) from Tulane University in 2005. While in law school, Mary Louise served on the Tulane Law School Moot Court Judicial Council and participated on the Tulane Moot Court Negotiation Team, as both a member and team coach.
Prior to practicing law, Mary Louise worked at Condé Nast Publications in New York and at the White House, in Washington D.C. During her time at the White House, she served in the West Wing. Mary Louise was offered the position of Deputy Director of the President’s Personal Correspondence prior to entering law school. After receiving her JD and MBA, Mary Louise worked in executive recruiting for the former head of Korn Ferry’s Dallas office, R. William Funk, recruiting presidents and provosts for universities and colleges nationwide.
Mary Louise began her legal career working with Orsinger, Nelson, Downing and Anderson, LLP in Highland Park, Dallas, Texas, and then moved to Ikard Wynne LLP, and Wynne and Wynne in Austin, Texas.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
15 years
15 years
15 years
15 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 14 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Phelps Law Firm
500 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Building 2, Austin, TX, 78746
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Mary Louise Phelps's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Alex | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
You can do no better
If you need a family law attorney, you can do no better. Mary Louise truly care about her clients and their children's well being.
Posted by Alex | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
Mary Louise is a pleasure to work with. She is knowledgeable, professional and always has your back. Highly recommended.
Posted by Gina | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Phelps Law Firm is outstanding
Phelps Law Firm is outstanding. Mary Louise is highly knowledgeable, professional, and very client service focused. She gave me great advice, stayed on top of things, explained everything very clearly to me, and supported me when I got emotional. While I don’t wish divorce on anyone, if you find your...
Posted by Melissa | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Their expertise and genuine care made me feel secure and safe.
Choosing Mary Louise and her team at Phelps Law Firm was the best decision I made during my challenging divorce journey. From the very first consultation, their expertise and genuine care made me feel secure and safe. Mary Louise and her team navigated every aspect of divorce with thoroughness and re...
Posted by Amber | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
She would be my biggest advocate during some of the most trying times of my life
After two years in a pending divorce, I hired MLP and a team. I would learn that she would be my biggest advocate during some of the most trying times of my life. My calls and emails were always answered in a timely manner. MLP and the team did not stop until my children and I were protected and rece...
Mary Louise Phelps's Lawyer Endorsements
"May Louise is a fierce family law litigator. She is remarkably thorough, has an eye for details, and provides excellent representation to her clients. I highly endorse Mary Louise."
"Mary Louise is an outstanding trial lawyer. I strongly endorse her."
"One of the finest negotiators I've ever worked with, and excellent with client communications."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mary Louise is a well rounded exceptional young lawyer. What stands out w "ML" is her empathy and ability to connect with clients. She is not a cookie cutter lawyer with a one size fits all solution to cases. She takes the time to know what is truly her client's goal, realistically evaluates that; and then goes about the best method of achieving that goal, whether thru trial or settlement. She is a lawyer who will listen to you."
"I endorse this lawyer. She has been wonderful to work with and has remained reasonable in a very trying case. A true professional."
"Mary Louise is a passionate advocate for her clients. She knows the details of each case and she is comfortable in or out of the courtroom. I recommend her."
Appeals lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
10 Best Attorneys Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2018
10 Best Attorneys Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2017
10 Best Attorneys Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Advocates
2016
10 Best Female Attorneys/Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Managing Partner, Phelps Law Firm PLLC
2019 - 2023
Attorney, Wynne and Wynne Austin
2015 - 2019
Attorney, Ikard Wynne LLP
2011 - 2015
Attorney, McCurley Orsinger McCurley Nelson & Downing, LLP
2006 - 2011
Senior Associate, R. William Funk and Associates
Associations
2020 - Present
Texas Bar FoundationFellows
2018 - Present
Collaborative Divorce AustinMember
2015 - Present
Austin Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2014 - Present
Texas Family Law FoundationMember
2014 - Present
Collaborative Family Law InstituteMember
2012 - Present
College of the State Bar of TexasMember
2011 - Present
Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, State Bar of TexasMember
2011 - Present
Collaborative Law Section, State Bar of TexasMember
2011 - Present
Family Law Section, State Bar of TexasMember
2011 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2017 - 2018
Austin Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution SectionVice Chair
2016 - 2017
Austin Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution SectionSecretary
2015 - 2016
Austin Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution SectionDirector
2013 - 2015
Annette Stewart Inns of CourtMember
2013 - 2015
Young Texans Against CancerMember
2011 - 2015
Dallas Association of Young LawyersMember
Education
2005
JD/MBA - Juris Doctorate and MBA
2001
BSM
Speaking Engagements
2018
"Planning and Preparing for Your Temporary Orders Hearing"
2017
"Procedural Tips and Traps"
2016
"Drafting Pleadings and Enforceable Orders"
2015
"Settlement Agreements, Rule 11 Agreements, Informal Settlement Agreements, and Mediated Settlement Agreements"
Publications
2014
2012
Languages
English