Matthew de Lira

A skilled litigator and trial lawyer, Matthew de Lira is a partner at The Law Firm of Phillips & Pelly in Solana Beach, California. He represents clients throughout various counties in California, including San Diego, Riverside, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange. His practice primarily focuses on personal injury cases, which cover a range of incidents such as:

• Car and Uber collisions
• Bicycle and motorcycle crashes
• Severe injuries
• Construction site mishaps
• Dog bites
• Drunk driver accidents
• Elder abuse
• Pedestrian disasters
• Sexual violence
• Slip-and-fall occurrences

Mr. Lira has been instrumental in securing major verdicts for the firm, including a notable $24.9 million award from the bench and record settlements amounting to $3.4 million, $2 million and $1.5 million. His $24.9 million judgment in 2021 was recognized by TopVerdict as the largest bench award in California and the 7th highest nationwide for that year. 

Additionally, Mr. Lira has earned a place in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum for life. He was commended by Lancaster City for his exceptional legal skills and was celebrated for acquiring a significant resolution for his clients in a case involving a national fast-food chain.

Prior to advocating for the plaintiffs, Mr. Lira gained valuable experience defending against claims at a major insurance company. This background now provides him with a unique perspective that benefits his clients. Known for his ingenuity and strategic methodology, he tackles the firm's most complex cases, often succeeding where others have yet to take them. His innovative approach to each case ensures that those who might otherwise have no recourse receive justice.

A San Diego native, Mr. Lira received his bachelor's and master's degrees in American Indian Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also completed his Juris Doctor at the UCLA School of Law in 2011. That same year, he was licensed to practice law in California. Moreover, he has contributed as a volunteer prosecutor in Anaheim and continues to act as a special master for The State Bar of California.