Mary Lee Caruso, Esq.

Mary Caruso is a distinguished Senior Partner at the Wilshire Law Firm with more than 25 years of experience in civil litigation, specializing in personal injury cases. She is especially known for her passionate advocacy on behalf of survivors of sexual assault and abuse, giving voice to those who have too often been silenced or ignored. Her unwavering dedication to seeking justice for individuals harmed by the negligence — or misconduct — of others has earned her widespread recognition throughout the legal community.

From Corporate Management to Courtroom Advocate

Mary earned her law degree from the esteemed Abraham Lincoln University Law School in Glendale, California. Before entering the legal profession, she spent three decades in corporate management, working in human resources and accounting. During this time, she witnessed injured workers being denied proper care and treatment, and in many cases, facing retaliation for their claims.

Her experience as a workplace whistleblower instilled in her a profound desire to stand up for those who lacked a voice — a calling that ultimately led her to the law.

Practice Areas

Ms. Caruso’s practice spans a broad range of civil litigation matters, with a particular focus on personal injury. Her areas of expertise include:

• Catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death
• Motor vehicle collisions
• Automobile v. pedestrian accidents
• Premises liability
• Elder abuse
• Sexual assault and abuse — a cause to which she brings particular passion, advocating fiercely for survivors seeking justice and accountability
• Employment law

She is admitted to practice law in California Superior Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California.

Professional Affiliations

Ms. Caruso is a proud member of numerous respected legal organizations, including:

• Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA)
• Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC)
• American Association for Justice (AAJ)
• Society of Women Trial Lawyers
• Orange County Trial Lawyers Association (OCTLA)
• National Trial Lawyers Top 100

She is also a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, prestigious organizations reserved for attorneys who have obtained million and multi-million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients.

Recognition and Achievements

Ms. Caruso’s track record and commitment to excellence have earned her significant recognition, including:

• Super Lawyer Rising Star, named consecutively every year from 2016 through 2022
• 2021 Rising Star of the Year, awarded by the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) — an honor given to only one recipient per year

Over the course of her career, she has recovered more than $175 million for her clients.

A True Passion for Advocacy

For Ms. Caruso, representing injured individuals is more than a profession — it is a calling. Her journey from corporate management to the legal field has been fueled by a deep desire to advocate for those in need and to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.

She is particularly devoted to representing survivors of sexual assault and abuse, recognizing the courage it takes to come forward and the profound impact that silence and stigma can have on victims. Ms. Caruso is committed to being a strong, compassionate voice for those who have been afraid to speak — ensuring they are heard, believed, and empowered to seek the justice and healing they deserve.

She draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s words: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” In facing challenges — both personal and professional — she turns to the wisdom of Maya Angelou: “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” This resilience and determination define her approach to both her practice and her life.

Beyond the Courtroom

Outside of her legal work, Ms. Caruso finds creative expression through stained glass artistry and theater arts, hobbies that provide inspiration and balance in her life. She also serves as an Honorary Board Member of the Los Angeles Trial Lawyers Charities (LATLC), reflecting her ongoing commitment to giving back to her community.

As a Senior Partner with a strong foundation in the corporate world, Ms. Caruso brings a unique perspective and unwavering dedication to her legal practice. Her passion for serving others, combined with her exceptional skill in civil litigation, has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, clients, and the legal community at large. Through her work, she continues to uphold the values of justice and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those she represents.