4660 La Jolla Village DriveSuite 500San Diego, CA, 92122United States (619) 797-5456

Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele

also known as 'Isi Mataele

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019. Read more

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San Diego, CA
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About Isileli

Started working in the prosecutors' and public defenders' office in law school. I tried over 21 trials before graduating. I studied civil rights, intellectual property, health law, family law, and took various trial clinics.

After law school, I started working in businesses such as Lehman Brothers but then returned to law.

I originally wanted to work for the prosecutors' office and then eventually get into civil rights litigation but due to my own experience I advanced those plans and now have pursued various civil rights cases.

My practice includes civil litigation, intellectual property, family, domestic violence, and other criminal cases.

Practice areas

Family: 30%
Represent on every aspect from child custody, child support, spousal support, divorce, restraining orders, and all procedural motions.
16 years
Litigation: 30%
Litigation in federal and state courts covering various cases.
15 years
Criminal defense: 20%
Began working in both the prosecutors' and public defenders' office. I continued my criminal practice cases when I started my office.
16 years
Civil rights: 10%
Very passionate about civil rights. I have experience in both federal and state courts with various civil rights violations.
15 years
Domestic violence: 10%
I have extensive experience with domestic violence restraining orders and criminal defenses. I have represented clients in both state and federal courts.
15 years

Languages spoken

Spanish

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4660 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 500
San Diego, CA, 92122

Mataele Law

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Resume

License

State	Status	Acquired	Updated
CA	Not Eligible to Practice Law (Not Entitled)	2009	02/07/2022

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

Discipline with Actual Suspension
issued in CA, 2019
updated November 27, 2019 12:00am
This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Discipline with Actual Suspension
issued in CA, 2014
updated January 20, 2016 12:00am
This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Avvo Contributions

Legal answers	3325
Legal guides	1

work experience

Title	Company name	Duration
Attorney	Mataele Law Offices	2009 - Present

education

School name	Degree	Graduated
University of Hawaii at Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law		N/A

Show full resume

Reviews

3.5 stars3.7 (6)

5 Star		67%
4 Star		0%
3 Star		0%
2 Star		0%
1 Star		33%

Review Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele

To the point, in his response. Kept faith and stuck with me.

5.0 stars

Posted by Gwyn
March 13, 2018

I had a marriage that devastated any self esteem and crippled my confidence. Throughout the hardship of getting back on my feet, Isi took on my case and stuck with it. Not much communication because that was how he saved me a ton of money. He works on doing the essential and there was no BS. If you want someone who does what he said he will do, that's Isi. The absolutlely best divorce attorney. around. I hired another attorney who took $5,000 but only got custody settled and measly child support and alimony. The ex hid assets but Isi worked with me on that too. Never lost faith in the truth that I told. No regrets with hiring Isi.

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

exceptional legal representation

5.0 stars

Posted by records2013
May 6, 2015

Mr. Mataele was always very quick to respond to my communications. NEVER did I find he was unprepared or needed more briefing on my issue. He represented my interests aggressively and professionally. I have never recommended a lawyer in my life. I recommend Mr. Mataele. Justin S / Beverly Hill

5.0 stars

Posted by Dennis
October 23, 2013

he is on top of everything and communication lines are always open. I would definitely use Isi for my legal needs and would recommend him. I like his no nonsense approach, facts are facts.

Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele's response: We really appreciate it.

Legal advice straight from the heart

5.0 stars

Posted by Jody
April 18, 2013

This is by far, with hands down, got to be the most caring attorney I have encounterd. He shoots straight from the heart with knowledgable CARING advice . I thank Heavenly Father for a man like this. I STRONGLY RECCOMEND HIS SERVICES.

No Response

1.0 star

Posted by Kathy
July 26, 2016

I have had my case with Isi for over 4 years now for a simple Divorce. I can't get him to respond to me to tell me if I am finally divorced or not. He nor his assistant will return my emails. This is how we have communicated for the last 4 years (since September 2012). I just want to know what needs to FINALLY get done or what I need to do. He will not respond.. It has been about a year since hearing from him. Very upsetting. I do not know how or what to do next. A simple response from him would help immensely. I am stuck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hired attorney

NEVER USE THIS ATTORNEY HE FAILS TO RESPOND BACK ON TIME

1.0 star

Posted by anonymous
October 18, 2013

Never use this attorney he will not respond to your filings on time . he will set you up to fail ... he hold on to evidance that the da and court needs to keep you out jail. he stutters when he talks in court becuase he is never prepared or reviews the case... he come to court late and wants to work out a deal for you to end up in jail ... he comes up with payment programs that you cant afford... he turned my civil matter into a crimnial matter all because he didn't respond back to a motion on time and held on to the evidance... he didn't even have the balls to tell me i found all this out in court... now i fired him and i'm out $2400 hundred dollars and best of all he also charged me for the services that he did'nt complete..

MoreIsileli Tupou Manaia Mataele's response: This is far from true or accurate. I cannot divulge many confidential communications and events due to the privilege, YET. How could someone convert a civil matter into a criminal matter? This person had a choice to continue civil contempt or criminal, They chose criminal and then complained after making the decision. I would never with hold anything unless it was fraudulent and by law am required not to present it. The truth is this person was accused of scamming consumers nationwide and charged with contempt for violating the restraining order preventing her from soliciting and collecting fees for mortgage companies. The government accused her of continuing the practice and the judge gave her the choice and she wanted to take her chances with criminal contempt instead of civil despite being advised not to make that choice. She is now upset that she is facing criminal penalties and refuses to take any responsibility. Hopefully she learns from this experience and begins to make the changes in her life before it is too late. Good luck.

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Attorney endorsements

(34)

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Douglas Borthwick, Litigation Attorney on Nov 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Bohren, Civil rights Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Mataele knows what he's talking about when it comes to law. He's a hard worker and extremely passionate about his cases- I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, Litigation Attorney on Nov 25, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

John Bohren, Civil rights Attorney on Aug 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Mataele knows what he's talking about when it comes to law. He's a hard worker and extremely passionate about his cases- I endorse this lawyer.

Hovanes Margarian, Civil rights Attorney on Jul 9, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Sean Cleary, Civil rights Attorney on Jun 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community.

John O'Brien, Civil rights Attorney on Apr 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community.

Debra Crawford, Family Attorney on Feb 14, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

James Dicks, Family Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

This attorney works very hard for the clients and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney.

Christopher Leroi, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Mataele continues to impress and provide excellent, well-reasoned, and common sense advice on Avvo. I learn from him every day and that is definitely saying something. I have been practicing for 24 years and have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney. I would recommend him to everyone and anyone.

Michael Shemtoub, Civil rights Attorney on Sep 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!

John Phillips, Unknown Attorney on Jun 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Attorney Mataele. From seeing the time and effort he spends on AVVO, providing answers, for free, to the public, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos.

Trevor Hensley, Family Attorney on Apr 30, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have read many of Mr. Mataele's responses on AVVO and he seems an incredibly intelligent/capable family attorney. I endorse Mr. Mataele.

M. Miller, Civil rights Attorney on Apr 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lloyd Mann, Unknown Attorney on Apr 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His answers are concise and to the point. He knows how to communicate and is an asset to the AVVO community.

Vijay Dinakar, Unknown Attorney on Mar 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Top notch attorney.

Edgar Reynoso, Business Attorney on Mar 5, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. His AVVO posts demonstrate his deep understanding of complex legal issues. His answers are always thoughtful, accurate, and they evidence his genuine interest in helping people.

Brian Crockett, Business Attorney on Feb 17, 2013
Relationship: Other

Attorney Mataele is a knowledgeable lawyer who is generous with his time and expertise. I recommend him.

Howard Roitman, Business Attorney on Oct 4, 2012
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Greenberg, Family Attorney on Aug 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Mataele is an excellent lawyer and a prollific contributor to the Avvo community. I endorse him without hesitation.

Ismail Mohammed, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Mataele is an excellent attorney who will zealously advocate for his clients.

Joel Kofsky, Business Attorney on Jun 8, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Show recent endorsements

Catherine Bennett
Dominique Tansley
Alan Sagherian
Michael Daymude
Joseph Dane
Lloyd Mann
Hazel-Lynne Espejo
Lani Nau
Ismail Mohammed

Show who Isileli has endorsed

Cost

RATES

Hourly Rates $75-$200/hour

Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs45 minutes

OTHER BILLING TYPES

Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.15%-40%

Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.Sometimes

PAYMENT METHODS

Cash, Check, Credit Card

Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele

About Isileli

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