maria.papasakelariou@wilsonelser.com

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Maria Papasakelariou represents clients in a wide range of legal disputes, with a focus on general liability, commercial automobile liability, premises liability, and personal injury matters. She is committed to achieving efficient and strategic resolutions through clear communication with clients and carriers, ensuring alignment at every stage of litigation.

Prior to joining Wilson Elser, Maria served as in-house counsel for a Fortune 100 insurance company, providing her with valuable insight into the business and risk considerations that shape litigation strategy. Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants, she brings a well-rounded perspective to evaluating claims and navigating complex disputes.

Maria was selected as one of 20 finalists for Wilson Elser’s Mock Trial Invitational, an intensive program designed to develop the firm’s top trial talent.

    Education

    • Florida International University, College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2016)
      • Executive Symposium Editor, FIU Law Review
    • University of Miami (B.A., cum laude, 2013)
      • Honors Program

    Bar Admissions

    • Florida
    • Texas

    Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida

    Professional Affiliations

    • President-Elect, Miami-Dade Bar, Young Lawyers Section, 2026–2027
    • Deputy Region VIII Governor, Hispanic National Bar Association
    • Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers (MDFAWL)

    Awards & Honors

    • Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch™, 2026-2027
    • The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division: 36 Under 36 Professionalism Award, 2026
    • Florida Super Lawyers: Rising Stars – Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2025–2026
    • Miami-Dade Bar Young Lawyers Section: 40 Under 40 Award, 2024
    • Miami-Dade Bar: Circle of Excellence Award, 2024

    Languages

    • Spanish
    • Greek

Maria Papasakelariou

Gauer, Papasakelariou & Del Gatto Score Voluntary Withdrawal of Significant Exposure Case for Canadian Client

Danielle T. Gauer (Of Counsel-Miami, FL), Maria Papasakelariou (Associate-Miami, FL) and Brian Del Gatto (Partner-Phoenix, AZ) secured a voluntary dismissal on behalf of a Canadian insurance carrier doing business out of Nova Scotia, Canada. The plaintiff, a resident of Nova Scotia and the insured, sought uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage related to an accident that occurred in Florida against a policy with $1+ million in potential benefits. The team filed a motion to quash service of process and a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction and forum non conveniens, arguing that the plaintiff inappropriately served the insurance company by attempting to serve a completely unrelated U.S. entity. The application of the law of Nova Scotia by a court located in the province, coupled with the fact that all potential witnesses are Canadian and the evidence is located in the province, makes Nova Scotia the more appropriate forum for this dispute. The team proved that the Canadian company was in fact completely separate from the U.S. insurer of a similar name. The plaintiff’s response to our motion tried to make the argument that the affidavit of the insurance adjuster was not legally sufficient under the law as the adjuster did not have personal knowledge of the matter. Furthermore, the plaintiff argued that Canada is not an adequate alternative forum because the insurance carrier should step into the shoes of the owner of the uninsured or underinsured vehicle. However, the cases cited by the plaintiff failed to involve a non-U.S. or foreign insurance carrier. Finally, on the eve before the hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel filed a notice dismissing our client. This continues our string of success in protecting our Canadian clients from being hauled into courts like Florida without proper grounds. 

Danielle T. Gauer, Maria Papasakelariou and Brian Del Gatto