GREGORY V. RUZICKA, the principal and managing partner of Ruzicka & Wallace, LLP, obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Irvine. He also studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge University, U.K. Mr. Ruzicka obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1980 and his Master of Law (LL.M.) from Boston University in 1981. Mr. Ruzicka lectures extensively on all aspects of real property law relevant to institutional real estate-owned property. He is co-general counsel to the REO Managers of California (REOMAC).

A native of Los Angeles who grew up in Orange County, RICHARD SONTAG specializes in representing secured creditors in unlawful detainer and lender liability litigation, as well as representation in the bankruptcy courts. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in 1979 from the University of California at San Diego, and graduated from University of Oregon Law School in 1982. Mr. Sontag became a member of the California State Bar in 1983. He worked for the Orange County Legal Aid Society in Compton and later in Santa Ana, where he specialized in representing tenants in unlawful detainer actions. In 1984, Mr. Sontag joined the Law Offices of Stuart Parker in Westminster, a private firm with a federal legal services contract to represent indigent residents in Orange County. While with that firm, he continued representing tenants in unlawful detainer actions, as well as actions against landlords. In 1989, Mr. Sontag joined the Law Offices of Thomas Wells in Newport Beach, where he specialized in representing commercial and residential landlords in various types of litigation. In 1992, he joined Ruzicka, Snyder, MacSporran & Deveraux. Mr. Published Opinions: Gans v. Smull, 111 Cal. App. 4th 985, 4 Cal. Rptr. 3d 353 (2d Dist. 2003) [Code of Civil Procedure section 12a, which extends the time of performance of “any act provided or required by law” until after a “holiday,” does not apply to the exercise of a lease option because it is not an act required by law].

MEGAN BEIERLE completed her undergraduate studies at George Washington University. She then attended the University of San Diego School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.). Ms. Beierle is admitted to the California State Bar and has worked with Ruzicka & Wallace, LLP since 2004. Ms. Beierle also sits on the board of directors for Craig’s Consumer Resource, Inc., a charitable organization that provides extensive services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

EARL R. WALLACE obtained his bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1989 and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola Law School in 1994. During law school, Mr. Wallace clerked at the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles where he assisted indigent clients in landlord-tenant disputes. Mr. Wallace is admitted to the United States District Court, central, southern and eastern districts, and to the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Wallace also holds a California Real Estate Brokers’ License. Mr. Wallace serves as co-general counsel to the REO Managers Association of California (REOMAC).

DALE K. QUINLAN obtained a bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1972. He served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1977, qualifying as a naval aviator and officer of the deck underway for deep draft vessels. He concluded service as discipline officer for the naval station at Newport, Rhode Island as a military non-lawyer prosecutor advising to the commander on all courts marshal. In 1982, Mr. Quinlan graduated from the University of Florida with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and a Masters of Business Administration. From 1982 to 1985, Mr. Quinlan was associated with the Law Firm of Jacobs, Robbins, Gaynor, practicing in Tampa, Florida in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, real estate, business transactions and litigation. From 1985 to 1997, he was a partner at Kester & Quinlan LLP of Newport Beach. Next, he operated his own firm in the areas of civil litigation, commercial law, bankruptcy, real estate and water company administration. He is a member of the Florida, California, Orange County and Lawyer Pilot bar associations, and is a master in the Peter M. Elliott Inn of Court. He also provides volunteer services to local civic organizations and has served as a director and president of Rancho Carrillo Mutual Water Company for 15 years. Mr. Quinlan holds a commercial pilot and instrument rating for fixed and rotary wing aircraft, is certified as a level 2 distribution operator for water company administration.

DESS RICHARDSON completed her undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Next, she went on to obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, where she concentrated on business law. While attending law school, during the summer Ms. Richardson clerked at the Delaware Supreme Court under the Honorable Justice Randy J. Holland. Ms. Richardson has worked with Ruzicka & Wallace, LLP since July 2009 and she is a member of the California Bar Association.