Mark Caesar T. Cumba

Law School
Chicago-Kent College of Law

Major Cases 
As a deputy attorney general in the Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, I represent the people of the state of California in investigating and prosecuting companies and individuals for illegally abusing the Medicare/Medi-Cal programs as well as skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, caregivers and other individuals for abusing or neglecting California's elderly and dependent adult citizens. The types of criminal cases I handle range from simple batteries and petty theft, to large and complex multi-defendant fraud cases and serious death cases. Additionally, I handle civil matters bringing suit against providers and companies alleging false claims and violations of Business & Professions Code §17200.

Professional Background 
I began my legal career as a Cook County state’s attorney in Chicago (the equivalent of a Deputy DA). As a criminal prosecutor in Chicago, I handled cases in the Public Interest Bureau, Narcotics Prosecutions Bureau, Juvenile Justice Bureau and Criminal Justice Bureau. I then joined various AV-rated law firms in Chicago and San Diego as a civil litigator where I handled product liability claims defending automobile, motorcycle, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers; professional liability matters defending attorneys in legal malpractice claims; and personal injury matters ranging from slip-and-falls to automobile accidents. 

Some favorable results obtained while in private practice include winning an Anti-SLAPP motion resulting in judgment for a national law firm in a malicious prosecution matter; winning summary judgment in favor of a nonprofit organization in a wrongful termination matter; winning summary judgment in favor of a national tire retailer in a product liability matter; and winning summary adjudication in favor of a medical device manufacturer in a wrongful death product liability matter.

After several years litigating civil cases, I had the strong desire to return to public service, and to be a prosecutor, in particular. This desire led me to join the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General.

Currently, I am an appointed member of the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation where I investigate, evaluate, and rate all potential appointees to the state trial and appellate courts, including the California Supreme Court, and provide reports to the governor to assist in the judicial selection process. I am also a member of the adjunct faculty at Thomas Jefferson School of Law where I coach competitive mock trial teams. 

Personal Background 
I was born in urban Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised in the cornfields of Morris, Ill. After graduating from college, attending law school and working in Chicago, I moved to San Diego in 2003 and a few years later met my wife, Debbie, who is a deputy attorney with the California Department of Transportation. We have two daughters, ages six and five.