Judge Brett London swore in Attorney Matthew Trujillo at the esteemed Harbor Justice Courthouse in Newport Beach on December 8th, 2022, and has since been forging his legal path with unwavering determination.
A distinguished alumnus of San Diego State University and the University of California, Davis, Matthew adeptly navigates all aspects of code enforcement at Civica Law Group, APC. He has recently been pivotal in aiding the cities of Chino, Lake Elsinore, and Palmdale on code enforcement cases that posed risks to the health and safety of its citizens.
Scope of Work
To date, his multifaceted work encompasses appearing at court cases, crafting cease and desist letters, penning motions, drafting appellate briefs, analyzing city inspection photographs, and more, all integral components of his practice areas including code enforcement, nuisance abatement, and receivership cases.
His expertise includes:
- Code Enforcement
- Nuisance Abatement
- Receiverships
- Municipal Law and Litigation
- Misdemeanor Prosecution
Legal Inspirations
Matthew’s inspiration to embrace the legal field was ignited in his childhood as he observed his father, a city attorney, maneuver through his professional life.
“My dad was the impetus for my legal aspirations. He exhibited an unwavering commitment to serving our community as a city attorney. Witnessing his dedication during council meetings broadcasted on our local public access TV station kindled a similar passion within me, leading me to Civica Law Group, APC.”
Matthew Trujillo
He found Civica Law Group, APC appealing after research revealed the firm’s commitment to representing municipalities in code enforcement cases.
“Code enforcement significantly affects a municipality’s residents, visitors, and citizens. My zeal for improving public health, safety, and quality of life and Civica Law Group, APC’s mission to safeguard communities, formed an ideal partnership.
Clarifying Receivership Misconceptions
This Central Coast native also staunchly advocates the importance of health and safety receiverships, a concept often misconstrued by the media and public.
In the context of nuisance abatement cases, Matthew explains, when code enforcement due process has been exhausted, and a property owner remains non-compliant, uncooperative, or incapable of rectifying the hazardous conditions, receivership emerges as the only feasible option.
“A receivership is invariably the last resort to rehabilitate a hazardous property. The code enforcement due process commences with a complaint. It proceeds through multiple notices, inspections, warrants, compliance agreements, and meetings that can take weeks, months, or even years before a municipality petitions a receivership to the court. We strive to sidestep litigation, but when a case necessitates it, it’s crucial to understand that the property owner, not the taxpayers, bears the cost of the receivership.”
The Future and Free Time
Looking towards the future, one of his long-term goals is to become a partner, a milestone he views as a testament to resilience and expertise. Moreover, he hopes to lend his knowledge and experience to nurture the next generation of attorneys.
Away from the office, Matthew enjoys immersing himself in the satirical nuances of the Western film, ‘Blazing Saddles’—a favorite since childhood—or delighting in the rhythm and lyrics of one of his favorite musical artists, Logic.
Matthew Trujillo’s story underlines his fervor for the law, a passion rooted in his early life and now flourishing at Civica Law Group, APC. His dedication to public safety and the betterment of communities aligns perfectly with our ethos, making him an invaluable asset to our firm.
Learn More About Matthew
Click here to visit Matthew’s page.
