Mariana L. Muñoz

Mariana L. Muñoz is a trial attorney at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, where she represents survivors of sexual abuse, families in wrongful death cases, and people seriously injured by the wrongdoing of others. Her practice is grounded in careful preparation, strong written advocacy, and a trauma-informed approach that centers clients as people, not case files.

Mariana’s path to the law was shaped early by lived experience. As an immigrant child navigating the legal system and later as a pediatric social worker, she saw firsthand how confusing, intimidating, and often dehumanizing legal processes can be. Those experiences motivated her to become an advocate who can guide people through complex legal matters while also listening, understanding, and responding to the emotional weight that often comes with them.

Before joining PCVA, Mariana practiced general civil litigation, including employment, business, environmental, and personal injury matters. She has successfully recovered compensation for clients harmed by defective goods, secured severance packages and lost wages for employees, and helped resolve high-stakes disputes. Most notably, she recently helped secure a settlement of more than $600,000 in a clergy sexual abuse case, holding powerful institutions accountable and helping a survivor move forward.

Mariana previously served as a judicial law clerk at Washington’s Division II Court of Appeals in Tacoma, where she clerked for multiple commissioners and for the Honorable Bernard Veljacic. That experience fundamentally shaped her approach to advocacy. While she once believed oral argument was the most critical skill for a lawyer, clerking taught her that clear, persuasive writing is often the strongest and most enduring form of advocacy, especially in complex and emotionally charged cases.

She is known for her preparation, composure, and persistence. Mariana knows her cases, knows the law, and presents both with clarity and credibility. Clients appreciate her ability to meet them where they are, listen carefully, and advocate fiercely on their behalf.

In addition to her litigation work, Mariana is committed to mentorship and service. She mentors Latina women and current and former law clerks, and she continues to handle a pro bono Kids in Need of Legal Defense case. Her achievements include being named a Social Justice Mission Scholar, winning the Ballenger-Green Writing Competition, and receiving recognition from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Outside of work, Mariana enjoys reading novels, watching and playing fútbol, solving puzzles, and spending time with friends. She stays current in the legal field through continuing education, professional newsletters, and networking, and she approaches her career with curiosity and humility, believing that there is always more to learn.

Mariana brings empathy, discipline, and resolve to every case she handles, and she is deeply committed to making sure her clients feel heard, respected, and supported while pursuing justice.