The Team
Joseph L. Cruz, Esq.
Whether you need a good recommendation for a weekend hike or you’re trying to protect your property rights, talk to Joe.
Joe has been helping clients protect their property since 2014 so that they can concentrate on what’s really essential in life. Your life is too busy and important to get bogged down in the details.
LITIGATOR
As a litigator and trial attorney, Joe personally involves himself in all stages of a case from the implementation of a strategy through entry of judgment. Before starting his own firm, Joe worked at a boutique firm where he was a regular in courthouses around Southern California.
LANDLORD TENANT
Joe has tried and settled thousands of landlord tenant disputes. Every landlord tenant dispute is unique and should be treated with care. His clients include real estate developers with thousands of units in their portfolios to small mom and pop clients just looking to make it to retirement. By focusing on landlord tenant matters, Joe has fostered a deep understanding of the law on the ground.
BANKRUPTCY
When someone files for bankruptcy, the bankruptcy court grants the debtor, the person that files for bankruptcy, certain rights and responsibilities. From a debtor’s perspective, they are trying to prevent the collection of the debts that they owe. As a creditor, you are also afforded certain rights and responsibilities. The bankruptcy court also affords you the right to petition the court to get back your property and secure your business. Knowing the law is one thing, but knowing the process and the players involved at every level will help you achieve your goals seamlessly. Joe can help you obtain those goals.
BACKGROUND
Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Davis where he majored in political science, with a focus in political theory and international relations, and minored in philosophy.
After graduating from UC, Davis, he moved to Washington, DC and worked at the America Bar Association’s Section of Individual Rights and Responsibilities. Living in DC, Joe spent time navigating the halls of Congress, working on impact litigation issues, before moving to New York City to attend Fordham University School of Law
While in law school, Joe focused on trial advocacy, international human rights, and served as a member of the Fordham Journal of Corporate & Financial Law.
After graduating law school, Joe moved back to California to practice in Los Angeles where he grew up. He was an associate at the boutique law firm Mandelbaum & Robison, LLP and worked in civil litigation focused on landlord tenant issues, motion practice, and bankruptcy matters.
BAR MEMBERSHIPS
Joe is licensed to practice law in State of California, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California.
EDUCATION
Fordham University School of Law, J.D. (Law Degree)
Archibald R. Murray Public Service Award, magna cum laude (500+ public service hours)
Advanced Trial Advocacy (2009)
The Leitner International Human Right Scholarship (2009)
Staff Member, Journal of Corporate & Financial Law Volume XIII (2008-2009)
University of California, Davis, Bachelor of Arts, majoring in political science with a minor in philosophy
UCDC Internship Program (2006)
Editor, UC Davis International Affairs Journal (2005)