Matthew Julian Forrest's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Eric | April 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Car Accidents

Highly Experienced Diminished Value Vehicle Attorney

I have dealt with a lot of lawyers in my lifetime, too many. But every so often you get the pleasure of working with one that is responsive, to the point, easy to get in contact with and is sympathetic to your situation. Matthew Forrest was that lawyer for me. He handled a diminished value claim on a... pretty expensive vehicle. He fought like hell to get us what we were entitled to and did so professionally and in a timely manner. I have already referred others to him and have no reservations suggesting you put him on your short list for any diminished value or vehicle related matters. Highly Recommended.

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Posted by Taylor | October 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Car Accidents

Unable to communicate or handle claim effectively

I truly wish I never hired Attorney Forrest to handle my property damage claim. The claims Attorney Forrest handles are modest in value, which means you do all the leg work. It also means he never takes the time to actually speak to you, you only deal with his staff. In the beginning of his represent...ation of me, I spent months of me going back and forth with his paralegal repeatedly giving her the same documents over and over, and me making multiple complaints to the attorney who referred me to him before I even was afforded the opportunity to speak to him directly. In fact, communications were beyond scattered and unclear throughout the period of time before he put my case in suit. His paralegal very clearly advised me that repairing the damage to my truck out of pocket was "helpful" but "not a requirement." I chose not to repair my truck, due to my financial circumstances at the time. I later received a phone call from Attorney Forrest directly threatening to fire me as a client, because I had not made repairs at my own expense to my vehicle. He had absolutely no regard for my own financial wherewithal and whether I could actually afford to make said repairs out of pocket, nor any concern that he was threatening to fire me just before the statute of limitations was to expire on my claim despite his own office advising me months prior that it was "not a requirement." Once this matter was put into suit, which was done without even so much as a courtesy email that he was going to incur that expense on my behalf, I had to reach out to with each and every single thing filed with the court to ask for either an update or a copy, because, once again, I received no communications from him or his office. Progress was only made in the case, because I chose to monitor it myself. For example, a motion for default for failure to appear was filed weeks late, and only filed because I asked for it to be done. Attorney Forrest similarly displayed an utter inability to communicate effectively with opposing counsel or timely progress this matter to a conclusion unless I repeatedly followed up with office to inquire why dates were being moved and deadlines missed without appropriate pleadings filed. The few times Attorney Forrest managed to find the time to pick up the phone and speak to me directly, he spoke to me as if I were a small child. This is despite the fact that I clearly have a full grasp of how our court system works. What is most frustrating is that, in writing no less, when I agreed to hire his firm instead of pursuing my claim on my own time, his paralegal advised me that Attorney Forrest believed I "significantly undervalued" my own case with the demand I made to the insurance company. One year later, hours and hours of frustration, and after incurring legal fees and expenses, and he recommended I settle my case for $500 more than my demand. I could hardly imagine any objective person believing $500 is "significantly undervalued." I have since referred several people with property damage claims to other attorneys based upon my personal interactions with Attorney Forrest and I can say without a single hesitation that I will never recommend Attorney Forrest to another person.

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Matthew Julian Forrest's Lawyer Endorsements

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Jane Holler

Car accident lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Forrest works hard for his clients. His knowledge in many areas in exceptional. He is highly recommended."

Sally Roberts

Car accident lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew has developed a specialty for diminished value cases. No one in Connecticut knows this area of law better than he does. He is a tireless litigator and advocates well for his clients."

Sarah Poriss

Unknown lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Matt since we were studying for the Bar and we have bounced ideas and legal theories off each other ever since. He is one of the first people I call when I need a creative approach to a client problem. That is a huge benefit when looking to work with a lawyer- are they going to tailor their plan to really suit your matter. Matt can't help but think outside the box."

Kelly Fitzpatrick

Consumer protection lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is THE authority with respect to diminished value claims and has creatively developed an important area of law. I am proud to know Matthew and feel honored to have worked with him. I would undoubtedly, without reservation, recommend Matthew to all of my clients."

David Compagnone

Car accident lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Matt has a wonderful understanding of the issues regarding diminished value of vehicles and how to maximize recovery for a client. He will work hard to achieve the best possible result."

Melanie Dunn

Car accident lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One unique aspect of Matthew's litigation practice is his experience with diminished value claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. I practice in somewhat of a niche area myself, and I know that clients get better results working with an attorney who is thoroughly familiar with the more specific issues involved in the case. In addition to being a professional and skilled advocate, Matthew is personable and civic-minded. I would trust him to provide excellent service to any client looking for diligent and effective representation."

Richard Roberts

Litigation lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Van Dyke

Car accident lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matt is probably the leading legal authority on diminished value claims in Connecticut. I refer all of my diminished value cases to him. He does a fantastic job representing my clients."

Patrick McCabe

Car accident lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Matthew on a number of matters. His firm has shown a particularly sophisticated approach to property damage claims arising from motor vehicle crashes. I would not hesitate to work again with Mr. Forrest or to refer to him appropriate matters in his geographical area."

Daniel Blinn

Unknown lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am pleased to endorse Matthew Forrest. Matthew has established himself as the premier lawyer in Connecticut handling cases involving the diminished value of damaged property. He is not afraid to butt heads with insurance companies, and he has a great reputation for getting his client's compensated when their motor vehicles or other property is damaged by the negligence of others."

Brian Torba

Car accident lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Matthew is a very knowledgeable attorney. His dedication to providing quality content for this forum is proof of his desire to help those who have been injured at the hands of others maximize their recovery. If you have a claim in his local area I would recommend you seek his consult."

Bruce Stanger

Litigation lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"With confidence I endorse Matt. Matt is a great communicator, he can make his point. Matt has shown a real interest in his clients interests. Matt has championed a niche area of pursuing damages for the lost value of a car after an accident; not something most lawyers would do. I strongly recommend Matt."

Leslie McPadden

Insurance lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Forrest developed an area of law in Connecticut that few people know about and certainly almost no one has extensive experience in. In addition to actual damages for a property loss Matt also aggressively pursues and achieves dimunition in lost value. He is creative, resourceful, and an asset to people seeking full value on an auto or similar type of loss."