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Mary Ellen Tarduno, General Attorney in Los Angeles, California

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AttorneyatSheppard Mullin

Los Angeles, CA

Practicing general in Los Angeles since 1982.

44+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

Are you Mary Ellen Tarduno?

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Quick answer

Mary Ellen Tarduno is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Mary has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Los Angeles, CA
Experience
over 44 years
Known for
General · Government · Litigation
  • Handles General, Government, and Litigation matters from Los Angeles, CA.
  • Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Mary Ellen Tarduno: Mary Ellen Tarduno is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Mary has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Mary takes on

Mary concentrates on general, government, litigation, and whistleblower. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Los Angeles, California

Mary takes general matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Government cases in Los Angeles, California

Mary takes government matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Los Angeles, California

Mary takes litigation matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Whistleblower cases in Los Angeles, California

Mary takes whistleblower matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Mary Ellen Tarduno — general lawyer in Los Angeles

Mary Ellen Tarduno is an attorney based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Mary has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard Mullin. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mary Ellen Tarduno is a lawyer practicing litigation, governmental practice, false claims act and 1 other area of law. Mary received a B.S. degree from Lehigh University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Mary practices at Sheppard Mullin in Los Angeles, CA.

Working with Mary on a general matter

Mary Ellen Tarduno is a lawyer practicing litigation, governmental practice, false claims act and 1 other area of law. Mary received a B.S. degree from Lehigh University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Mary practices at Sheppard Mullin in Los Angeles, CA.

Who Mary represents

Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and litigation matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • Harvard University

    J.D. · 1982

  • Lehigh University

    B.S. · 1979

Jurisdictions

Mary's state bar admissions

  • California Federal D

    1982 · ACTIVE

Mary studied at J.D. in Harvard University and B.S. in Lehigh University.

Law school and academic background

Mary completed J.D. in Harvard University and B.S. in Lehigh University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Mary Ellen Tarduno's office in Los Angeles

Mary's primary office is at 350 South Grand Avenue, 40th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90071. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sheppard Mullin

350 South Grand Avenue, 40th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Mary Ellen Tarduno — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Los Angeles.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Ellen Tarduno claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mary Ellen Tarduno — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a general attorney in Los Angeles, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many general matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Mary

Mary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every general matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mary Ellen Tarduno

  • How much does it cost to hire Mary for a general case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Mary offer a free consultation?

    Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.

  • How long do general cases in California typically take?

    Simple general matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?

    Mary is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Mary?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Mary accepting new general clients right now?

    Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

General attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California

Mary handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.