Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Hull.
Hi Maria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My path into law and nonprofit work has really been shaped by a mix of personal experience, community influence, and a desire to create stability for families.
I grew up seeing how much legal and financial decisions can impact generations of a family. That awareness pushed me toward a career where I could help people navigate some of the most important moments of their lives. After becoming an attorney, I founded Carmona Hull Law Group in Austin, where I focus on estate planning, probate, and family matters. Much of my work involves helping families plan ahead, resolve difficult situations after a loss, and protect what they’ve built for the next generation.
Starting my own firm was both exciting and intimidating. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn how to balance practicing law with running a business, building a team, and earning trust in the community. At the same time, I was also becoming a mother, which gave me a completely new perspective on the importance of planning for the future and protecting your family.
That perspective eventually led me to start Hull Academy, a nonprofit focused on supporting young girls experiencing homelessness in Austin. The mission is deeply personal to me because I believe stability, education, and mentorship can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
Today, my work is centered on two things: helping families protect what matters most and creating opportunities for young people who need support. Both my law firm and the nonprofit are rooted in the same belief—that when people have the right guidance and resources, they can build stronger futures for themselves and their communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—it definitely has not been a smooth road.
Like many people who start their own business, one of the biggest challenges was building something from the ground up while also trying to grow professionally and personally at the same time. Starting a law firm meant wearing every hat—attorney, business owner, marketer, administrator, and problem-solver—all at once. There is so much people do not see behind the scenes, and learning how to manage all of that while still serving clients well was a challenge.
Another major part of the journey has been balancing ambition with motherhood and family life. Building a business while raising children forces you to become very intentional with your time, energy, and priorities. There were seasons where everything felt like it needed me at once, and that can be overwhelming.
On top of that, working in areas like estate planning, probate, elder law, and family law means walking with people through some of the hardest and most vulnerable moments of their lives. That work is deeply meaningful, but it also requires a great deal emotionally. You are not just handling documents or court matters—you are often helping families navigate grief, aging, illness, conflict, uncertainty, and major life transitions.
With Hull Academy, the challenge has been different but just as real. Starting a nonprofit with a big vision takes persistence, resources, and the ability to keep moving forward even when progress feels slower than you hoped. But those struggles have also strengthened my purpose. They have made me more resilient, more creative, and even more committed to the families and young girls I want to serve.
I would say the road has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly meaningful. Every obstacle has helped shape the way I lead, serve, and build.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Carmona Hull Law Group is a boutique law firm based in Austin that focuses primarily on estate planning, probate, elder law, and family-related legal matters. Much of our work centers on helping families prepare for the future and navigate major life transitions. That might mean creating an estate plan for young parents, helping families settle a loved one’s estate after a loss, or guiding clients through complex family or guardianship situations.
One thing that sets our firm apart is that we try to make legal planning feel approachable. A lot of people delay things like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney because the process feels intimidating or overwhelming. Our goal is to make those conversations easier and to help families feel informed and empowered rather than stressed.
We also serve a diverse community and work with many bilingual families, so accessibility and clear communication are very important to us. Many of our clients are navigating legal systems for the first time, and we take pride in making sure they feel supported and understood throughout the process.
Beyond the law firm, I’m also very proud of Hull Academy, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting young girls experiencing homelessness in the Austin area. The goal of the organization is to provide stability, mentorship, and educational opportunities that can help change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
What connects both of these efforts is a common mission: helping people create stability for themselves and their families. Whether it’s helping a family protect their assets and plan for the future, or helping a young girl find the support and resources she needs to thrive, the work is ultimately about building stronger foundations for the next generation.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is that both the firm and the nonprofit are rooted in service and community. At the end of the day, I want people to know that our work is about more than documents or legal processes—it’s about helping people feel secure, supported, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One thing I’ve learned is that mentorship and networking do not always happen in the formal ways people expect. Some of the most valuable guidance I’ve received has come from building genuine relationships with people in my field and being willing to ask questions.
Early in my career, I made an effort to stay connected with other attorneys, attend local legal events, and reach out to people whose work I respected. What surprised me is that many experienced professionals are very willing to share their knowledge if you approach them with sincerity and curiosity.
I also think it is important to stay in touch with past employers, supervisors, and mentors, even if your paths have moved in different directions over time. Just because you no longer work together does not mean the relationship has lost its value. Some of the best professional relationships are the ones that continue to grow over the years, even as your careers evolve. A quick check-in, an update, or simply letting someone know you still value their guidance can go a long way.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that mentorship does not have to come from just one person. Different people can guide you in different areas of life and business. Some mentors may help you become a better professional, others may teach you how to lead, and others may simply encourage you during difficult seasons.
For networking in general, I’ve found that focusing on relationships rather than transactions makes a big difference. When you approach networking with a mindset of learning, staying connected, and supporting others, those relationships tend to become much more meaningful and lasting.
My advice would be to stay curious, be open to learning, and do not be afraid to reach out to people you admire or reconnect with people who have played a meaningful role in your journey. Those relationships often matter more than people realize.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carmonahulllawgroup.com
- Instagram: carmonahull.law
