- Enjoy participating in long distance running for overall physical and mental well-being
- Volunteer to teach children's yoga to incarcerated youth and others in my community
Marcella Ruta
Orchard Park
Summary
Legal professional with strong leadership and proven ability to handle complex legal matters. Skilled in litigation, legal research, and case management. Adept at fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving challenges. Known for delivering reliable results and maintaining high ethical standards.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervising Attorney
Children’s Legal Services
Tampa, FL
07.2021 - Current
- Provide legal support and guidance to a team of attorneys and paralegals, which has resulted in my court division having the highest negotiated pleas and lowest active caseload.
- Reviewed and analyzed legal documents to ensure compliance with state regulations, specifically as to Federal Regulations to ensure case funding.
- Streamlined workflow processes, resulting in improved case resolution times and outcomes.
- Mentored junior attorneys to develop their legal skills, resulting in a more knowledgeable and capable team.
- Lead community engagement meetings with partners in Child Welfare to identify and resolve legal issues, barriers to case closure, and support forward progress.
- Collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including the judiciary, to reduce the amount of coverage dockets creating attorney efficiency, condensing our listserv distribution for shelters, and promoting resolutions through mediations.
- Litigate complex legal actions by filing petitions, motions, and presenting oral arguments to the court.
- Supported and trained employees on Children’s Legal Information System by identifying errors and insufficiencies for the user to correct. This new technology was integrated into the Department in 2024 for case tracking and records keeping.
- Promoted as Acting Managing Attorney during the months of July 2025-January 2026 responsible for providing leadership and supervision for an office of over 50 attorneys, paralegals and secretaries.
Assistant Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender
Clearwater, FL
09.2013 - 07.2021
- Represented clients in court, providing comprehensive legal defense and ensuring fair trial rights.
- Conducted thorough legal research, analyzing case law to develop effective defense strategies. Over 85% of filed motions successfully litigated; first chaired 28 trials ranging from juvenile to adult misdemeanor and felony; and filed my own appeals to the Second District Court of Appeals, including a case of first impression.
- Oversaw multiple cases simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and client needs effectively.
Essay Grader for Florida Bar Prep
Themis Bar Review
06.2018 - 06.2023
- Evaluated and graded written assignments for accuracy and adherence to legal standards.
- Provided timely feedback to students, enhancing learning outcomes and understanding of material.
Education
Juris Doctor - undefined
Barry University School of Law
Orlando, FL05-2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06-2010
Skills
- Legal analysis
- Legal writing
- Oral advocacy
- Litigation strategy
- Settlement negotiation
- Legal compliance
- Strategy development
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication
Websites
Certification
- Member in Good Standing of the Florida State Bar since 2013
Interests
Timeline
Supervising Attorney
Children’s Legal Services
07.2021 - Current
Essay Grader for Florida Bar Prep
Themis Bar Review
06.2018 - 06.2023
Assistant Public Defender
Office of the Public Defender
09.2013 - 07.2021
Juris Doctor - undefined
Barry University School of Law
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
DePaul University