Mary Ann Ruiz, Of Counsel

Ms. Ruiz is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for her expertise in Community Association Law. She is also recognized as AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell®’s the highest peer rating standard. This is awarded to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. She is also recognized by Martindale-Hubbell® as a Gold Client Champion. Ms. Ruiz was also recognized by the Florida Association for Women Lawyers as Leader in the Law in 2022.

She also has extensive media appearances, both in her attorney role as well as in personal advocacy endeavors. She has appeared in several television news segments concerning community association legal issues, including on Univision 23, NBC6 News South Florida, and NBC10 News Philadelphia. Ms. Ruiz also dedicates her time to bar organizations. She currently serves on the Florida Bar Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration Committee. The appointment requires that the Florida Bar President determine that the appointee has substantial experience in the administration of the Florida court system. The RGPJA Committee serves as the central rules coordinating committee for all rules committees, including civil procedure and appellate court rules.

Ms. Ruiz is also a member of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. She served on the Executive Board of FAWL as Treasurer and previously as Legislative Director. In 2023, she coordinated the unanimous passage of FAWL’s bill through the Florida Legislature. The bill was signed into law as Section 29.24, Florida Statutes, requiring lactation spaces for mothers in courthouses throughout the state.  She is also a current member, past board member, and past Chair of the Judicial Liaison Committee of MDFAWL.

She has also served in leadership roles outside of bar organizations. Ms. Ruiz served as Co-Chair of the Anit-Defamation League’s Glass Leadership Institute and previously as a cohort member. She served in the City of South Miami as Chair, Vice Chair, and member of the Planning and Zoning Board. She served as Co-Chair of the Law Alumnae Section of Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, her alma mater, and remains actively involved.

• Quoted by USA Today in its December 16, 2021, print edition, front page article entitled, “Panel: Condo risks remain; Calls for reform to avoid another Surfside disaster.”
• Quoted by USA Today, in its August 4, 2021, print edition, front page article entitled, “Homes destroyed. Neighbors perished. Now, Surfside survivors face insurance companies.”
• Quoted by The Washington Post, in its July 3, 2021, story entitled, “Developer of luxury condos offered next-door Surfside building $400,000 amid complaints over construction, documents show.”