121 Alhambra Plaza, Suite 1500, Coral Gables, FL 33134

MARY ANN RUIZ

CONTACT: mar@maryannruiz.com305.669.0114 Ext. 2

For over 12 years, Ms. Ruiz has represented clients in the real estate sector in the areas of community association law, construction law, real estate law, insurance law, landlord tenant law and has served as a mediator. This decade plus of hard work has earned her a reputation for delivering results with the utmost professionalism.

1981-2003

Born, Raised & Educated in Miami

Ms. Ruiz was raised in the Schenley Park neighborhood of Miami-Dade County since the age of one. She attended St. Theresa Catholic School and Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, where she remains an active alumna. Ms. Ruiz received her Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a major in Finance from Florida International University’s College of Business. Ms. Ruiz also earned her Master of Science in Integrated Communications from Florida International University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication, while working within the investor relations department of a publicly-traded, clinical stage biopharmaceutical company.
2003-2007

A Passion for Legal Advocacy

Ms. Ruiz went on to pursue her true passion for legal advocacy. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. While in law school, she was selected to the Order of Barristers in recognition of her oral advocacy, brief writing and leadership skills. She was awarded the Marco Vazquez Scholarship for her achievements in the Litigation Skills Program. She was also a member of the Mock Trial Competition Team. Ms. Ruiz clerked at a prominent construction law firm in Miami, where she concentrated her work on behalf of general contractor clients for issues stemming from industrial, commercial and condominium projects.
2007-2009

Experience in the Trade

Upon graduation in the Spring of 2007 and passing the bar in the Fall of 2007, Ms. Ruiz joined a prominent community association law firm in Miami. She represented condominium and homeowners’ associations in a range of matters, including, construction defect claims and turnover financial claims, enforcement actions against unit owners and tenants and liens and foreclosures for past due assessments. Ms. Ruiz also represented developers in construction defect claims and association turnover financial claims.
2009-2019

A Reputation for Representing Property Owners

In January 2009, with just a little over one year of practice, and in the midst of the Great Recession of 2008, Ms. Ruiz opened her law firm. The firm was successful immediately, representing condominium unit owners dealing with financial hardships and up against associations with far greater financial ability to hire attorneys. Ms. Ruiz initially represented condominium unit owners facing bank foreclosures and condominium foreclosures, as well as other disputes which affected them financially, such as defending against the appointment of blanket receiverships and the rejection of tenants or buyers. As the economy recovered, the practice grew to include a myriad of other issues facing owners within commercial condominium associations (office and warehouse condos), homeowners associations (HOAs), cooperative associations (co-ops) and other types of properties.
2019+

A Decade of Impact, Growth & Evolution

In January 2019, the firm celebrated its ten-year anniversary. Ms. Ruiz’s decade plus of hard work and unrelenting representation of condominium unit owners and property owners has earned her a reputation for delivering results with the utmost professionalism. The firm’s practice has grown to encompass not only increasingly luxurious properties, but also the increasingly complex matters and disputes associated with South Florida’s burgeoning mixed-use towers and developments. The firm represents clients based locally, domestically and internationally.

Ms. Ruiz also dedicates her time to several matters outside the firm.

Ms. Ruiz serves as Chair for the State and Federal Court Liaison Committee for the Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers. The committee is responsible for coordinating monthly dinners with members of the judiciary, coordinating panels and other events, and attending the investiture ceremonies for members of the judiciary.

Ms. Ruiz serves on the Legislative Committee for The Florida Association for Women Lawyers, currently working on a bill to require lactation spaces in state courthouses.

Ms. Ruiz serves as a member of the Engagement Advisory Council for the Office of Engagement at Florida International University. Members of the EAC are charged with helping the Office of Engagement tell the FIU story and build relationships in the community.

She also serves as Chair for the Law Alumnae Section of the Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Alumnae Association. Our Lady of Lourdes is recognized for its esteemed alumnae, including several members of the judiciary.

Ms. Ruiz also served for two years as Chair of the City of South Miami Planning Board, which investigates and recommends to the City Commission such changes in the boundaries of the various use districts, zoning regulations, use of land and type of construction, locations and use of all structures on any valid application submitted to it, amongst other directives.

Ms. Ruiz is dedicated to her work and to her community.