Matthew Bonilla

For nearly a decade, Matt Bonilla has been an integral part of Trust Guss Injury Lawyers, where he currently serves as Attorney Director of Business Operations. In this role, Matt leads the firm’s strategic planning, legal compliance, operational management, and cross-departmental growth initiatives - all with one core mission in mind: putting clients first.

Matt’s passion for personal injury law runs in the family. Growing up surrounded by relatives who practiced in the field, he witnessed at an early age the impact a dedicated attorney can have on someone facing hardship. That experience continues to drive him today as he works to ensure every client receives the support, justice, and compensation they deserve.

A proud National Hispanic Scholar, Matt earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University and later completed his MBA at the Naveen Jindal School of Management at UT Dallas. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law, where he earned the CALI Excellence for the Future Award and made the Dean’s List multiple times. He has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 2015.

Matt began his career at another prominent Houston personal injury firm before joining Trust Guss Injury Lawyers. His legal focus has always been on personal injury, including catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Over the years, he has built deep experience in litigation, negotiation, and prelitigation strategy - skills that now inform his high-level leadership and firm-wide oversight.

Matt is a four-time Texas Super Lawyers Rising Star, a peer-nominated honor awarded to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in Texas. He is also an active member of key professional organizations, including the Houston Trial Lawyers Association (HTLA), the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA), the American Association for Justice (AAJ), and the National Trial Lawyers (NTL).

Above all, Matt is guided by a simple but powerful principle: the client always comes first. Whether he’s solving operational challenges or helping refine firm strategy, his work is rooted in compassion, empathy, and a drive to help others through difficult times.

Outside the office, Matt is a passionate animal enthusiast. He’s an avid birdwatcher and keeps several freshwater aquariums, each with its own thriving ecosystem. If given the chance to have dinner with anyone, he’d choose wildlife legend Steve Irwin, a kindred spirit when it comes to energy, empathy, and love for all creatures.

More About Matthew

Matt joined the Stewart J. Guss team in 2016. His combination of business acumen, empathy, and legal knowledge aligns perfectly with the firm’s client-first values, and he is committed to helping his clients face any challenge.

Matt is a strong believer in environmental sustainability and attends several events a year in support of the cause. He’s also a lifelong North Carolina Tar Heel basketball fan. In his downtime, Matt loves playing sports, birdwatching, and exploring the great outdoors, listing the Houston Arboretum among his favorite destinations.

Get to Know: Matt Bonilla

Why did you get into personal injury law?

“Several of my family members are personal injury attorneys. I watched as a young kid how they handled clients and thought it was a good fit for me due to my desire to help people.”

What does it mean to you to work for Stewart J Guss, Attorney at Law?

“It means working for a boss who genuinely cares for his clients, employees, friends, and family. Although work can be difficult at times, I truly feel I make a difference in my client’s lives on a daily basis.”

What did you think you were going to be when growing up?

“A veterinarian. I love animals and always wanted to work with them when I grew up.”

What is your favorite TV show or movie?

“Gladiator.”

What does “client first” mean to you?

“Listening. Clients need to be heard. Once heard, we can work together to find a solution.”

Do you have any hidden talents or surprising hobbies?

“Birdwatching. I’ve become an avid bird watcher over the past few years.”

What is your go-to comfort food?

“Buffalo wings!”

Got a Question? Contact the Trust Guss Team