Maria C. Kao
Partner
Maria C. Kao
Education
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J.D., Intellectual Property Certificate of Specialization, Whittier Law School, 2009
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B.A., University of California, Irvine, 2006
Admissions
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State Bar of California
Maria Kao uniquely serves as litigation and transactional counsel to community associations and has been serving them since 2009. With a litigation background, Ms. Kao’s advice often comes with experience-based risk analysis. She has represented community associations of all sizes and has dealt with a broad spectrum of related real estate and land use issues. Ms. Kao’s day to day work includes: review and interpretation of governing documents (e.g., voting, maintenance and repair, insurance), contract review and vendor negotiations, disciplinary proceedings and litigation. Clients working with Ms. Kao can expect responsiveness, thoughtfulness, and a reliable gut instinct. The clients that work best with her are those who are direct and looking for legal guidance from an attorney who also has business acumen.
Law Practice
Ms. Kao has consistently and continuously worked for common interest developments since 2009. She was formerly a partner at Berding & Weil, LLP. Prior to that, she worked as an associate at Feldsott & Lee, APC.
Experience
Professional Activities
Ms. Kao is professionally affiliated with the California Association of Community Managers (CACM), Community Associations Institute (CAI).
Publications / Speaking Engagements
“(Not so) Little Fires Everywhere Insuring Your Community,” CAI Legal Forum, September, 2022
“Brave New World”, CCAL Law Seminar, February, 2022
“The Dangers of Association Oversharing on Social Media”, The Law Journal, CACM, Fall 2021
“A Deal is a Deal,” OC View, January, 2017
“Not Participating in a Board Vote Does Not Mean Nothing Happened”, OC View, March 2015
“Increase Your Assessment Collection Rate”, OC View, May 2012
“Reimbursement Assessments Require a Separate Hearing”, OC View, November 2011
“Brave New World”, CCAL Law Seminar, February, 2022
“The Dangers of Association Oversharing on Social Media”, The Law Journal, CACM, Fall 2021
“A Deal is a Deal,” OC View, January, 2017
“Not Participating in a Board Vote Does Not Mean Nothing Happened”, OC View, March 2015
“Increase Your Assessment Collection Rate”, OC View, May 2012
“Reimbursement Assessments Require a Separate Hearing”, OC View, November 2011