Maria M. Rullo

OF COUNSEL

As a well-respected and sought-after litigation attorney, Maria M. Rullo is recognized for her achievements over the last 38 years of practicing in Southern California.  Maria also specializes in transactional matters including 15 years as General Counsel.

Currently, Maria serves as “Of Counsel” for the firm in its litigation practice handling employment practices, personal injury, and commercial and eminent domain cases.

She began her legal career in Health Care Law representing hospitals and medical group practices across the country in license and compliance issues.  She then moved to full-time litigation specializing in Insurance Bad Faith defense with the firm of Hill, Genson, Even, Crandall, and Wade.

Maria then moved to General Counsel for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange where she was responsible for the management of all legal transactions for 59 churches, 52 schools, Pastoral Center, Cathedral complex and a planned Assisted Living Community. During this time, Maria was responsible for the mediation, negotiation, and settlement of 95 clergy abuse cases over a 2-year period, culminating in the first church settlement of abuse cases in California. She led the legal team for the $57.9 million acquisition, purchase, and leaseback of the 39-acre iconic Crystal Cathedral and assisted in the ongoing transformation to Christ Cathedral.

Bar Admissions

  • California, 1976

  • U.S. District Court Central District of California

  • U.S. District Court Southern District of California

  • U.S. District Court Northern District of California

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit

Education

  • Western State University College of Law, J.D.

  • Western State University, B.S. of Laws

  • Mount St. Mary’s College, Los Angeles

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Orange County Bar Association

  • California State Bar Association

  • OCBA Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee

Community Involvement

  • OCBA Mandatory Fee Dispute Program Arbitrator

  • OC-CRF Moot & Peer Court – Attorney Score Keeper

  • Chapman Law School Mentor Program

  • PLC – Guardianship Clinic at Central Justice Center

  • St. Edward Church – Outreach Council

  • RAD Camp (for Adults and Children with Developmental Disabilities) – Head Chef, Volunteer Coordinator