About Maria
Maria practices in the firm’s Insurance Group where she concentrates her practice on regulatory and corporate insurance law, public policy, government relations and coverage matters. Her practice encompasses all facets of insurance regulation. She has extensive experience representing traditional property and casualty carriers, life and health carriers, Medicare providers, HMOs, agencies, agents, TPAs, MGAs and other insurance related businesses. A substantial part of her practice is also focused on alternative risk financing entities such as captives, self-insurance funds, purchasing groups, risk retention groups and their service providers. Other clients include major corporations, financial institutions and trade associations. On behalf of these clients, she handles formation and licensing, registrations, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory and corporate compliance, corporate restructuring, holding company filings, examinations and risk management. Further, she assists clients with policy drafting and design including reinsurance agreements, reviewing and drafting service provider agreements, preparing HMO provider contracts, rule making hearings, and rate and form filings. Maria counsels and represents clients faced with insurance department enforcement and disciplinary actions and she provides coverage analysis and participates in settlement negotiations and mediations. Additionally, she regularly represents the interests of clients affected by state legislative and regulatory developments. She assists companies with legislative matters by testifying at committee hearings and before study committees, drafting, analyzing, tracking and monitoring legislation and advocating for the passage, revision or defeat of legislation.
Maria is admitted to practice in Georgia (2000), the District of Columbia (2005) and Arkansas (2007). Her court admissions include the U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. District Court, Northern and Middle Districts of Georgia; Georgia Court of Appeals; Georgia Supreme Court; District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.
She is an active participant in the activities of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as other insurance professional associations including the Georgia Captive Association (GCA), the Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA), the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA), the American Society for Health Risk Management (ASHRM), American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA), Association of Insurance Compliance Professionals (AICP) and the Federation of Regulatory Counsel (FORC). Maria is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Atlanta Bar Association and the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Maria has lectured on the following topics: “Insurance Issues in Secured Transactions”, ICLE (2008); “Captive Insurance 101”, Alabama Consumer Finance Association (2007); “Licensing and Disciplinary Matters Handled by the Georgia Department of Insurance”, ICLE (2004); “Insurance Law in Tennessee”, Lorman (2003); “Captive Insurance Companies”, Society of Financial Examiners (2003).
Previously, Maria served as Attorney for the Regulatory Services Division and Lobbyist for the Georgia Department of Insurance (1996-2002), Legislative Aide to the Georgia House of Representatives (1994), Political Coordinator for Oxendine for Insurance Commissioner (1994) and Congressional Staff Member for Congressman J. Roy Rowland (1991-1992).
In addition, Maria was selected for inclusion in the 2010 Georgia Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Edition.
What is your favorite thing about the law?
The challenge that each new project brings and the satisfaction of successfully addressing my clients’ needs.
What was your first job?
I was an intern for a local congressman. I was fascinated by politics at the time and it was a great opportunity. I was given the opportunity to take Fridays off my senior year of high school so I could work all day in his congressional office. I attended my first national political convention the same year I became old enough to vote. What an amazing experience.
What are your hobbies?
Triathlons, golf, scuba diving, tennis, traveling and cooking.
What advice would you give to a young student in law school?
Enjoy the educational process, it is an unique opportunity and try to take classes that interest you. When the daily grind of it all seems too difficult, remember that, if you got into law school, you are capable of graduating, so relax and enjoy the experience.
How do you define a good day?
My philosophy is that we should all strive to make each day we are given a good day. Professionally, I think the key is surrounding yourself with skillful, honest co-workers, representing clients you can believe in and doing the best you can for those clients. Personally, I think it is making time for your family and friends and remembering to be thankful for the things you have been given in life.
How do you spend your weekend?
For many years, my first priority was taking care of my elderly grandmother, who was very special to me. Now that she is no longer here, I spend my free time enjoying my hobbies such as golf, tennis, swimming, biking, walking, scuba diving, traveling and cooking for friends.