Maria T. Vullo

Adjunct Professor of Law

Maria T. Vullo’s legal career spans the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Most recently, she served as the Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services for three years from 2016-2019, nominated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and confirmed by the New York State Senate. As Superintendent, Ms. Vullo was responsible for the regulation of New York’s financial services industry, including all New York State chartered banks, branches of foreign banks, insurance companies and agents licensed to do business in New York, and non-depository financial services companies in New York, including mortgage lenders and cryptocurrency firms. During her tenure, Ms. Vullo promulgated a groundbreaking cybersecurity regulation that has become the national model; resolved significant enforcement actions for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, anti-money laundering and sanctions laws; defended the right of New Yorkers to quality and affordable healthcare; established prudent industry standards including a “best interests” regulation for annuities and life insurance products; increased access to financial services in underserved communities; and protected consumers with key regulatory and legislative initiatives and by mandating restitution in numerous consent orders. Ms. Vullo served in leadership positions at the National Association of Insurance Commissions and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.

Ms. Vullo also has more than 25 years of experience in the private sector. Prior to assuming the role of DFS Superintendent, Ms. Vullo was a litigation partner for 20 years with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. Ms. Vullo is an experienced trial and appellate litigator in civil, criminal and regulatory matters, including in financial services, securities, real estate, antitrust, healthcare, bankruptcy, environmental and constitutional law. Ms. Vullo is also known as a leader in protecting women’s and human rights, including by prosecuting significant pro bono litigations, authoring amicus curiae briefs and serving in leadership positions in nonprofit organizations.

Ms. Vullo also served as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Economic Justice under then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. In addition, she was twice nominated by the New York State Commission on Judicial Nomination to be an Associate Judge of the New York Court of Appeals.

Ms. Vullo is a frequent public speaker and CLE instructor. As Superintendent, she gave more than 75 keynote speeches to large audiences comprised of financial industry regulators, executives and trade associations. Ms. Vullo’s teaching experience includes courses taught to law firm associates on Trial Practice, Evidence, Client Relations & Expectations, Privileges, New York State Practice, Federal and State Practice and Deposition Skills.

Ms. Vullo holds a JD from New York University School of Law, an MPA from NYU Wagner’s Graduate School of Public Service, and a BA and Honorary PhD from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

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