About Michael Ruttle

For me, immigration law is a lived experience.

I’ve seen how complicated and emotional this process can be, not only as an attorney but as a husband to an immigrant and as someone who has lived and worked abroad. Those experiences gave me a deeper understanding of what families and professionals go through when navigating the U.S. immigration system.

They also shaped how I practice law. I believe in being thorough, strategic, and kind. My job is to make a complex process feel clear, manageable, and human.

A Global Perspective with a Personal Approach

Before becoming an attorney, I spent years living and working in Spain and Costa Rica. I know what it’s like to adapt to a new country and culture while managing the uncertainty of immigration paperwork.

In Seville, Spain, I worked as a translator and interpreter for major international organizations, including NATO. Later, in Costa Rica, I continued that work while also teaching and consulting with employers doing business with U.S. corporations.

Those experiences gave me a practical understanding of the cultural, professional, and personal challenges behind every immigration story. That firsthand perspective helps me guide my clients through their own journeys with respect and compassion.

I speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and I’m currently studying Mandarin Chinese and Czech (my wife’s native language) because I believe real connection starts with understanding.

Education & Background

I graduated summa cum laude (top 5%) from Whittier Law School in 2012, earning a concentration in International & Comparative Law.
While in law school, I served as President of the Moot Court Honors Board, competed in the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, where I was recognized as one of the Top Oral Advocates, and contributed to the Whittier Law Review.

I completed my B.A. in Translation & Interpretation Studies (Spanish/English) at California State University, Long Beach, in 2006.

Professional Affiliations

I am licensed to practice in all California courts and am an active member of both the Los Angeles County Bar Association – International Law Section and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

I currently serve as Partner and Chair of the Immigration & Global Mobility Practice at Omnus Law, a collaborative firm of attorneys dedicated to making legal representation accessible, strategic, and rooted in genuine care.

Speaking Engagements & Publications

Speaking Engagements

Foundational Immigration Concepts for Non-Immigration Lawyers, Presenter, South Bay Bar Association, Torrance, CA, November 2025

Understanding the EB-2 Green Card Category, Panelist, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Southern California Chapter, San Juan Capistrano, CA April 2025.

Working with Interpreters, Enhancing Access to Justice Through Best Practices, Presenter, Hon. Ben Aranda III American Inns of Court, Redondo Beach, CA, January 2020.

Artificial Intelligence: Specially Appearing for the Human Attorney of Record, Presenter, Hon. Ben Aranda III American Inns of Court, Redondo Beach, CA, May 2019.

Money Talks, Best Practices for Fee Development, Panelist, Solo and Small Firm Success Academy, Whittier Law School, Costa Mesa, CA, August 2017

Global Influence on Local Development, Global Panel Event, Panelist, South Bay Association of Realtors (SBAOR), Torrance, CA, May 2016.

Transgender Issues and the Law, Presenter, Hon. Ben Aranda III American Inns of Court, Redondo Beach, CA, April 2016. Award for Best Group Presentation

EB-5 in Real Estate, Investor Visa Panel, Panelist, Engel & Völkers Real Estate, Redondo Beach, CA, March 2016

Current World Events and How They Effect Global Real Estate, Immigrant Investor Seminar, South Bay Association of Realtors (SBAOR), Torrance, CA, February 2016.

International Home Buyers, Profile of International Home Buying, RealtyONE, Torrance, CA, October 2015

Publications

To Market, to Market: Learning as You Go, Family Advocate - ABA Section of Family Law, Vol. 38, No. 3 Winter 2016, Michael Ruttle.

Legal Plans for Niche Practices, GLSA News Briefs, September/October 2015, Michael Ruttle, et al.

Four Rookie Mistakes for Young Solos – And How To Recover, GPSOLO Magazine, Vol. 32, No. 3, May/June 2015, Michael Ruttle. Read More

Filling the “Mentor Gap” As a New Solo Attorney, ABA The Young Lawyer 2015, Aastha Madaan, Michael Ruttle, et al. Read More.

Beyond the Law

I live with my wife and two kids in Los Angeles County’s beautiful South Bay, where we enjoy surfing, martial arts, outdoor activities, and playing music.

Outside of my practice, I’m happiest spending time with my family, studying languages, and exploring new places. The experiences that led me to immigration law continue to remind me that every client’s story is personal, and every case deserves to be handled that way.

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In My Clients’ Words

Here’s what clients have shared about their experiences working with me.

We are so grateful for the incredible support and guidance we received during our green card application process. Michael and his team made everything feel much less stressful. Thanks to them, everything went smoothly and was approved without any issues

Tomomi A.

Thanks to Michael’s hard work and deep understanding of immigration law, my visa process was successful, and I couldn’t be more grateful. If you’re looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares about his clients and delivers outstanding results, Michael Ruttle is the one to trust!

Serena T.

Michael was highly professional, knowledgeable, and always responsive to my queries. His attention to detail and thorough preparation gave me confidence every step of the way. Thanks to his expertise, my visa was approved smoothly. I highly recommend Ruttle Law for anyone seeking immigration assistance. They truly care about their clients and provide top-notch service