About the Firm
Attorneys at law serving Iloilo City and Western Visayas since 2022.
Founded on Shared Values
Matiling & Maghopoy Law Office was established in 2022 by husband-and-wife attorneys Atty. Charissa Matiling and Atty. John Marti Maghopoy. Both are graduates of the Philippine Science High School and the University of the Philippines, with undergraduate degrees in Applied Mathematics and Economics respectively. Today a six-person team, the firm is based in Molo, Iloilo City and serves clients across Western Visayas and throughout the Philippines.
Meet the Founding Partners
Atty. Charissa Matiling
Managing Partner
Co-founder and managing partner leading the firm's real estate, criminal, and civil litigation practice. A licensed real estate appraiser and former Municipal Assessor, she brings deep expertise in property valuation and land disputes.
Atty. Charissa J. Matiling is a member of the Philippine Bar who brings a multidisciplinary professional background to her legal practice. She combines legal training with experience in real estate, criminal and family law, allowing her to approach legal issues with both analytical precision and practical insight.
Before entering the legal profession, Atty. Matiling worked in both the public and private sectors. She served as a Municipal Assessor for the Municipality of Tapaz, Capiz, where she gained firsthand experience in property administration, government regulation, and public service. She also held roles in the financial and corporate sectors, including positions as a Reconciliation Specialist at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and as a Product Researcher for an international e-commerce business, developing skills in financial analysis, compliance, and operational management.
Atty. Matiling successfully passed the Philippine Bar Examinations in 2022, earning her eligibility to practice law in the Philippines. In addition to her legal qualification, she also holds Real Estate Service Eligibility and received the Honor Graduate Eligibility under Presidential Decree No. 907, demonstrating a consistent record of academic and professional achievement.
“Her professional experience across law, government, finance, and business enables her to provide well-rounded legal assistance with diligence, integrity, and a commitment to delivering clear and practical legal solutions.”
- Philippine Science High School
- University of the Philippines - B.S. Applied Mathematics, Cum Laude
- University of San Agustin - Juris Doctor
Atty. John Marti Maghopoy
Founding Partner
Co-founder handling the firm's labor & employment and business matters as well as immigration and real estate issues. A former professional writer/editor and virtual attorney, he brings an analytical and detail-oriented approach to litigation and client counseling.
Since being admitted to the Philippine Bar in 2022, Atty. Maghopoy has focused much of his legal work on labor and employment law, business matters, and litigation support. His practice involves drafting pleadings, legal memoranda, and contracts, as well as advising clients on compliance, dispute resolution, and litigation strategy. He regularly assists both employers and employees in navigating complex labor disputes and workplace issues.
Beyond private practice, Atty. Maghopoy is also active in legal education. He serves as a faculty member at the University of San Agustin College of Law, where he teaches Labor Law and Computational Law. His work in the classroom reflects his belief that legal education should integrate traditional legal doctrine with emerging tools and modern analytical approaches.
In addition to his legal career, Atty. Maghopoy has extensive experience in writing, research, and editing. He has worked as a freelance academic writer and editor assisting students and researchers worldwide, and previously served as a news editor for an online publication, where he supervised writers and edited articles in AP style.
Part-time Faculty, College of Law, University of San Agustin - teaching Labor Law & Social Legislation and Computational Law (since July 2025)
“His experiences sharpened his ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively - skills that translate directly into his legal work.”
- Philippine Science High School (2006-2010)
- University of the Philippines - B.S. Economics (2011-2016)
- University of San Agustin - Juris Doctor (2016-2020)
Outside the courtroom, both attorneys value family, education, and giving back to their alma maters and community. They have seven dogs led by their 8-year-old German Shepherd, Pia. In 2025, they welcomed their first child, Martine — adding “parents” to their list of shared roles.
Key Milestones
Firm Founded in Mandurriao, Iloilo City
Atty. Charissa Matiling and Atty. John Marti Maghopoy established Matiling & Maghopoy Law Office, offering legal services in labor, corporate, real estate, criminal, civil, and family law.
Expanded Practice & Team Growth
The firm expanded its client base across Western Visayas, growing from a two-person practice to a six-person team serving employees, employers, and foreign nationals.
Relocated to Molo, Iloilo City
The firm moved to its current office at 2nd Floor, Doña Maria Bldg., Avanceña Street, Cor. San Juan St., Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines 5000 — a more accessible location for clients across the city.
What Drives Our Practice
“To be a trusted law firm in Western Visayas and beyond, recognized for analytical excellence, principled advocacy, and modern legal practice - delivering solutions that are strategic, ethical, and genuinely aligned with the long-term interests of our clients.”
- →Deliver well-studied, strategically sound legal advice using both traditional legal principles and modern tools.
- →Prioritize fair, efficient, and out-of-court solutions whenever they best serve our clients' interests.
- →Uphold transparency with clear expectations, client-centered representation, and the highest ethical standards.
Need Legal Advice? Let’s Talk.
Email us or message us on WhatsApp at 0998 444 8814.