Mario Martinez
TRIAL LAWYER
Licenses
- California
About
Mario Martinez is an associate trial lawyer at Carpenter & Zuckerman, known for his dedication and heartfelt commitment to justice. Since joining CZ Law in 2017 as a law clerk and evolving into a skilled, licensed attorney, Mario has demonstrated an unwavering resolve to stand up for the vulnerable and injured.
Mario’s hands-on experience began in law school with a notable internship at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and his impactful work at the Youth Offender Parole Clinic. Here, he appeared before the California Board of Parole, advocating for a client who received a life sentence for a crime he committed while under age 18—an experience that underscored Mario’s passion for legal advocacy and reform.
Raised in South Central Los Angeles, Mario’s early experiences in a rough neighborhood ignited a deep-rooted desire to fight against injustice and advocate for those marginalized by society. His commitment to his clients is personal, driven by a history of witnessing inequality firsthand—observing those who lacked resources being taken advantage of by people in positions of power.
Outside the courtroom, Mario cherishes family time and roots for his beloved hometown team, the Lakers.
Education
With an educational journey marked by excellence, Mario attended Southwestern Law School, earning his Juris Doctor and graduating cum laude while juggling evening classes and maintaining a full-time job.
During his time at Southwestern, Mario received numerous recognitions, including the CALI award for the highest grade in various courses, including Legal Writing I, Constitutional Law, and Public International Law. He also received the Witkin Award in Legal Writing II, Evidence, and Civil Pre-trial Practice. As a staff member of the prestigious Southwestern Law Review, Mario honed his legal research and writing skills, preparing him for a successful career in law.