Vanessa Trujillo, Associate Attorney
Human Trafficking & Victim Advocacy at Singleton Schreiber San Diego

Vanessa Jane Trujillo is an Associate Attorney at Singleton Schreiber’s San Diego office, where she represents survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Driven by a deep commitment to justice and a belief in the power of advocacy to transform lives, she brings both rigorous litigation training and genuine compassion to every client she serves. 

Vanessa gained experience in criminal, civil, and victim-centered advocacy through internships with Judge Valerie Salkin at the Van Nuys Superior Court, the Eastern District Federal Defenders, the San Luis Obispo District Attorney’s Office, and the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. As a Victim Witness Advocate with the District Attorney’s Office, she worked closely with primarily Spanish-speaking victims and assisted with U-visa applications, strengthening her commitment to serving vulnerable communities. 

Vanessa’s work at Free to Thrive, where she supported attorneys in vacatur work on behalf of human trafficking survivors, developed the trauma-informed advocacy skills that now define her practice and solidified her commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives through the legal system.  

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Pre-Law, cum laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before attending the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where she concentrated in Trial Advocacy. During law school, Vanessa also competed in six mock trial competitions, earning the Order of the Barristers honor and the Best Cross Examination award at the 2023 Puerto Rico Trial Advocacy Competition. 

Raised by a single mother who immigrated from Mexico, Vanessa learned early the values of perseverance, service, and giving back to her community. She is a member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, the California Employment Lawyers Association, and the Lawyers Club of San Diego. She also volunteers with LEAP, mentoring incoming law students from marginalized backgrounds as they prepare for law school, continuing the tradition of community investment that has guided her own journey. 

Vanessa is admitted to practice in the State of California. 

Outside of her legal practice, Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, young son, and golden retriever.

Honors & Awards

Puerto Rico Trial Competition, Best Cross Examination (2023)

Affiliations

Consumer Attorneys of San Diego

San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association

American Association for Justice

Society of Women Trial Lawyers