Biography
Maritza Ortiz-Urrutia is a San Jose family law attorney who helps individuals and families navigate difficult legal transitions with empathy, clarity, and practical guidance.
Originally from Sacramento, Maritza attended college in the Bay Area, where she developed a strong connection to the region and its communities. That connection ultimately brought her back after law school.
Maritza began her legal career in a pro bono immigration law clinic, representing clients seeking asylum, family reunification, and relief from removal. Through that work, she discovered how meaningful direct client advocacy could be. She valued the trust clients placed in her during vulnerable moments and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in their lives.
She later expanded her legal experience through work with the California Environmental Protection Agency’s CalRecycle program. There, Maritza developed strong legal research, writing, and analytical skills by working with complex regulatory and statutory frameworks. That experience strengthened her ability to break down complicated legal issues and build thoughtful, well-supported legal arguments.
After law school, Maritza also served as a Title IX Coordinator in higher education. That role deepened her experience handling sensitive, high-stakes matters with care, discretion, and professionalism while supporting individuals through difficult situations.
Today, Maritza brings that combination of advocacy, legal analysis, and empathy to her family law practice. She understands that family law matters are deeply personal and often emotionally challenging, and she works to help clients feel informed, heard, and supported throughout the legal process.
Her goal is to make complicated legal issues easier to understand, help clients evaluate their options, and guide them toward practical solutions that reflect their goals and priorities.
Interesting Facts
Maritza believes effective family law representation starts with empathy and active listening.
She understands that behind every legal issue is a person dealing with a stressful and deeply personal situation. Maritza takes the time to understand not only the facts of each case, but also the concerns, goals, and priorities that matter most to her client.
Clear communication is central to her approach. Maritza believes clients should never feel lost in the legal process, so she explains complex legal concepts in straightforward language and helps clients understand the options available to them.
By combining careful listening with thoughtful legal analysis, Maritza works to develop strategies that reflect each client’s individual circumstances. Her goal is to help clients make informed decisions with greater confidence while ensuring their voice remains central to the representation.
Maritza earned her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from San Jose State University, with a minor in Environmental Impact Assessment. She participated in the Humanities Honors program and graduated cum laude.
She later earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, where she completed a concentration in Capital Lawyering Skills, focused on government law and policy.
Her academic background in environmental studies, government law, and policy strengthened the research, writing, and analytical skills she now brings to her family law practice.
Maritza is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association.