Ayline Ruelas

BIO

Ayline Ruelas joined HAE as a Legal Assistant in February 2026. In her role, she conducts legal research, drafts legal documents, and supports the firm’s partners with the day-to-day needs of active cases. She brings both strong analytical skills and a deep commitment to community empowerment to her work.

Ayline began her legal journey as an intern with the San Diego District Attorney’s Office in South Bay, where she assisted with criminal case discovery. She later served as a JusticeCorps Graduate Fellow at the Hall of Justice, supporting judicial officers and assisting the civil business office with small claims, limited and unlimited civil matters. She also helped individuals navigate restraining orders and landlord-tenant issues. These experiences strengthened her commitment to increasing access to justice.

After completing her one-year fellowship, Ayline worked as an Intake Specialist with the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, where she helped connect community members with critical legal resources. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a passion for empowering others and amplifying the voices of those who too often go unheard.

Ayline earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 2022 and recently completed her Master’s in Education, with a concentration in Higher Education, from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2025. As a first-generation Latina, higher education has always been central to her life and mission. She is deeply committed to expanding access to educational opportunities and bringing resources back to her community.

Growing up crossing the border between Tijuana and San Diego to attend school, Ayline proudly identifies as a “border girl.” Having lived in Chula Vista, she carries her bicultural experience with her in all that she does, grounding her work in empathy, resilience, and cultural awareness. She is fluent in Spanish.

Ayline aspires to attend law school and continues to pursue a career in the legal field because she has seen firsthand the meaningful impact legal advocacy can have. She joined HAE because of the firm’s unwavering commitment to justice, its dedication to supporting victims, and its collaborative and supportive environment.

One of her proudest accomplishments was graduating from Harvard in 2025, a milestone made possible through perseverance, community support, and determination. She looks forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact through her work.

Outside of the office, Ayline enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and listening to podcasts.