Meet Matthew Binninger | Attorney at Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Matthew Binninger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Matthew, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My approach to work life balance has changed dramatically over the years. As a young criminal defense attorney, I frequently burned the candle at both ends. Whether preparing for trial, writing and litigating motions, or helping people enroll in drug treatment, my clients were my life. Nothing else mattered nearly as much. There were highs from winning at trial, getting charges dismissed, and encouraging clients to successfully complete drug treatment, for which I will always be grateful. But there were also lows when all my hard work failed to change a client’s harsh sentence or outcome. And those moments took their toll.

Roughly ten years into my career, I learned that the potential for burn-out is not some abstract idea that would disappear by ignoring it; it’s very real. I knew that I had to change the way I pursued a work/life balance, or I wouldn’t be able to continue practicing law. So I incorporated meditation, working out, connecting with friends and family, and reading and writing for my own personal joy into my daily routine. It was one of the better decisions of my life. Additionally, being outdoors, whether hiking, skiing, surfing, or off-roading always lifted my spirits. Today, my cup is refilled every day with the joy of doing things that I love, in and out of the courtroom. Consequently, and unsurprisingly, I am a happier, more fulfilled person–and a better lawyer for my clients.

What should our readers know about your business?
My firm specializes in criminal defense, primarily representing those charged with offenses in the Southern District of California and in the Superior Court of California. It also represent plaintiffs in civil causes of action that arise out of traffic accidents and other forms of personal injury. What I am most proud of, and what I feel sets me apart from other attorneys, is my dedication and accessibility to my clients. I fight tooth and nail for them and maintain constant communication, so they fully understand their case and the general strategy we pursue.

I got to where I am today through countless hours of hard work. I attended law school at California Western School of Law in 2006, where I worked in the California Innocence Project and participated in the school’s mock trial team program. I graduated cum laude in April 2009. I then studied for and passed the California Bar that summer. Once sworn in, I opened my own practice, focusing on criminal defense. After a year and a half on my own, in 2011, I was hired as a Trial Attorney by the Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. There, I worked for eight years, handling hundreds of federal cases on behalf of the indigent. In December of 2019, I incorporated my law office in Little Italy, San Diego, specializing in federal criminal defense and personal injury law. I continue to represent the indigent in federal court through my work on the Criminal Justice Act panel of qualified attorneys.

None of this was easy. Every step of the way required hard work, dedication, and patience. But running my own practice where I get to fight for those in tough situations up against the government’s accusations, or an insurance agency’s refusal to remedy the damages inflicted upon my client, made all the late nights studying at the library and working at the office worthwhile. I love what I do, and that is priceless.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first place I would take them to is the pier at the end of Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach, San Diego. In my mind, that is the quintessential beach town to visit, eat some fish tacos, and relax by the water. Then, I would recommend a walk through Balboa Park, one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich parks in the city. Finally, I’d drive them out about an hour east of here to Jacumba, where we would off-road through the Valley of the Moon. Each location offers a unique and fulfilling Southern California experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everything that I am, I owe first and foremost to my parents, Pam and Gil. Their continuous and unconditional love and support have been the main reason behind my success. They raised me to care for others, instilling in me the importance of showing empathy and compassion to those less fortunate. There is nothing that I am more grateful for in this world than being their son.

While there are several former professors, employers, judges, and friends along the way who greatly influenced my career, I would not be here without the mentorship of Justin Brooks, Jan Stiglitz, Mario Conte, Timothy Scott, John Lemon, Benjamin Coleman, Mark Fleming, Michele McKenzie, and Shereen Charlick. These are some of the finest lawyers that I have ever worked with, and they took me under their wings at various stages in my young career to help me become the attorney I am today.

Linkedin: Matt Binninger

Facebook: Law Office of Matthew C. Binninger, APC

Yelp: Law Office of Matthew C. Binninger, APC