Mariel Gerlt-Ferraro

Mariel Gerlt-Ferraro is a partner in Messner Reeves’ Orange County office whose practice focuses on commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, real estate, financial services, and regulatory matters. With nearly two decades of experience, she represents businesses and individuals through every stage of a dispute, from pre-litigation strategy through trial, arbitration, and appeal.

Mariel is known for helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with practical, business-minded advice. She has extensive experience handling commercial disputes, real estate litigation, financial services matters, and regulatory issues in both state and federal courts throughout California. She regularly argues law and motion matters, handles dispositive motions and discovery disputes, appears at settlement conferences, and presents appellate oral arguments.

In addition to managing complex litigation, Mariel oversees matters from inception through resolution, supervising litigation teams while developing strategies that align with her clients’ business objectives. Her ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and develop creative solutions allows clients to make informed decisions throughout the litigation process.

Before joining Messner Reeves, Mariel gained experience representing clients in insurance defense, civil rights, wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and employment matters. This broad background gives her a well-rounded perspective when advising clients facing multifaceted legal disputes.

Mariel earned her J.D. from Southwestern Law School in 2007 and holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Spanish from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

She is a member of the California Lawyers Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles. Mariel previously served on the National Women’s Law Center Leadership Advisory Committee and the City of Laguna Niguel Investment Banking & Audit Committee.