About Us

Welcome to Monder Law, San Diego’s Top-Rated Criminal Lawyers

San Diego Legacy Attorney & Founder Vik Monder (1985-2022) has been a first generation born American that has always accomplished what he set his mind to when the odds were against him. His tenacity and determination became part of him at an early age witnessing his family in distressed situations without the ability to even afford an attorney. Through his own experiences with the criminal process as a witness to his best friend’s murder Mr. Monder personally observed the ugly side of the criminal justice system. This led Mr. Monder down a journey to educate himself on the reality of the criminal justice system.

After graduating law school Mr. Monder pursued a masters in criminal trial advocacy because he realized the most important quality in any criminal defense attorney is his or her understanding of criminal procedure and the rules of the criminal court. Mr. Monder trained with the individuals that wrote the rules on criminal evidence and procedure so that none of his clients will ever fall through the cracks. Mr. Monder has been published for his work with other leaders in the criminal justice circuit and lectures often at local law schools and universities.

Mr. Monder has successfully represented thousands of clients throughout San Diego County. He was well respected in each courthouse in San Diego and has created lasting relationships with court staff and prosecutors over the years. Mr. Monder covered a range of cases from complex felonies to simple misdemeanors and has a long list of satisfied clients. Mr. Monder’s success was built on his keen sense of justice and attentiveness to each client.

Mr. Monder started his practice trying highly profiled federal criminal cases before starting Monder Law. His staff of experts and investigators can tackle any issue you may currently be facing. Mr. Monder started this firm with the vision to provide top quality criminal defense at an affordable price without compromising results. Unlike other attorneys, Mr. Monder was always trial ready for every case, following you every step of the way. He has been working with some of the brightest legal minds in the criminal defense community and gave his team an incredible learning experience, so you never have some inexperienced attorney handling your case. All of his resources are at your disposal. You can trust your future is in good hands working with the team that learned how to advocate for you from the best.

Feel free to contact us anytime to just get an idea or direction about your specific case. It is always nice to have someone that is willing and able to speak to you in confidence regarding your situation.  Our team of attorneys is approachable in the office but aggressive in the courtroom.

Service to community is a highly valued and long-standing tradition at the firm. As San Diego criminal lawyers we enrich the lives of those around us, we grow as a firm and as individuals. Legacy Attorney & Founder Vik Monder had a deep involvement in our community demonstrated by his core belief that as lawyers, we have a moral professional responsibility to help those around us.

Vik Monder participated regularly in the community by volunteering his time and holding leadership roles with civic and charitable organizations, as well as educational and cultural institutions.

At the firm level, we are inspired by his community involvement, contributing to many charitable and non-profit organizations each year. Whether he was holding a fundraising event or providing free advice for those in need, Vik Monder reminded the San Diego community how to stick together. We’re enriched by the commitment and network he developed. What is good for the community is good for our firm! To learn more please visit and like our Facebook page.

David J. Ruyle, Jr.

David J. Ruyle, Jr. was born and raised in San Diego, California, where he continues to live and practice law. With over 20 years of experience, David is deeply rooted in the San Diego community and dedicated to defending the people who call it home.

After starting his career working with his family in estate planning, David felt drawn to the courtroom and found his calling in criminal defense. Rather than join a large firm or the public defender’s office, he chose to build his own practice from the ground up — learning every step of the way.

While practicing criminal defense, David completed the police academy and earned his POST certificate. He then served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of El Cajon, where he encountered a wide range of cases — from minor vagrancy issues to serious violent crimes. That experience taught him patience, empathy, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance.

Balancing both sides of the law — enforcement and defense — has given David a rare and valuable perspective. After several years, he resigned from his police position to focus on his family and his law practice, maintaining the independence that allows him to give every client personal attention. By keeping his caseload manageable, he ensures each client gets the time and care their case deserves.

David earned his Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University (1998) and his law degree from Trinity Law School in Santa Ana, California (2002) — both faith-based institutions that shaped his values and sense of justice. During law school, he interned with the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office in El Cajon, working on both felony and misdemeanor cases. That experience sparked his lifelong commitment to helping one person at a time make it through the legal system.

In addition to his practice, David has shared his experience by teaching Criminal Justice courses at Westwood College and the University of Phoenix. Though he grew up along the coast, he now enjoys the East County lifestyle — spending time camping, riding horses, and enjoying San Diego’s natural beauty.