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Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele

Litigation Attorney at San Diego, CA

3.7   6 reviews

also known as 'Isi Mataele

  • Licensed for 13 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2009
    Status
    Not Eligible to Practice Law (Not Entitled) Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2022

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2022. See details

About Isileli

Learn Isileli’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Family
    30%
    Represent on every aspect from child custody, child support, spousal support, divorce, restraining orders, and all procedural motions.

    17 years

  2. Litigation
    30%
    Litigation in federal and state courts covering various cases.

    16 years

  3. Criminal defense
    20%
    Began working in both the prosecutors' and public defenders' office. I continued my criminal practice cases when I started my office.

    17 years

  4. Civil rights
    10%
    Very passionate about civil rights. I have experience in both federal and state courts with various civil rights violations.

    16 years

  5. 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.

    16 years

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.  

Contact Isileli

Similar lawyers nearby

Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele
4660 La Jolla Village Drive
Suite 500
San Diego, CA, 92122

Reviews

3.7 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
5 Star
 
67%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
33%
Posted by Gwyn | March 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
To the point, in his response. Kept faith and stuck with me.
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.
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Posted by records2013 | May 6, 2015
exceptional legal representation
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
Posted by Dennis | October 23, 2013
I retained Isi for my family law case
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.
Response from Isileli Mataele October 23, 2013
We really appreciate it.
Posted by Jody | April 18, 2013
Legal advice straight from the heart
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.
Posted by Kathy | July 26, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
No Response
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2013
NEVER USE THIS ATTORNEY HE FAILS TO RESPOND BACK ON TIME
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..
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Response from Isileli Mataele October 22, 2013
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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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 45 minutes
  • Hourly Rates $ 75-200 per hour
  • Contingency 15%-40%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 3.6 (Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2022.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2022
updated on 10/26/2022

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, 2019
updated on 11/27/2019

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 on 01/20/2016

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.

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Mataele Law Offices
  • 2009 - Present

Education

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • Spanish

Attorney endorsements

Received (34)
Given (26)
Endorse Isileli
Litigation Attorney | Nov 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | Aug 26
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."
Civil rights Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | Jun 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community."
Civil rights Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
Family Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Nov 29
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 30
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."
Civil rights Attorney | Sep 19
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!"
Unknown Attorney | Jun 02
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."
Family Attorney | Apr 30
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."
Civil rights Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 03
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."
Unknown Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top notch attorney."
Business Attorney | Mar 05
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."
Business Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Other
"Attorney Mataele is a knowledgeable lawyer who is generous with his time and expertise. I recommend him."
Business Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Mataele is an excellent lawyer and a prollific contributor to the Avvo community. I endorse him without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Mataele is an excellent attorney who will zealously advocate for his clients."
Business Attorney | Jun 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Lawsuits and disputes
General practice
Immigration
Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
Criminal defense
Personal injury
Intellectual property
Litigation
DUI and DWI
Administrative law
San Diego Litigation Lawyer Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele
Isileli Tupou Manaia Mataele
Litigation Attorney
San Diego, CA
Free Consultation
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2022. See details