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Matthew Edward Williamson
also known as Matthew Williamson, Matthew E. Williamson
About Matthew
Biography
Mediator • Probate Attorney • Victim Rights Advocate | Outcome-Focused, Fair, Efficient Resolution
I’ve been full-time in the law since 1989 (first as a legal intern at the Community Legal Information Center, then as a Certified Paralegal working my way through law school and finally as a full time attorney a few months after Graduating from Law School in 1996), and I’m still a complete legal nerd. I study constantly, stay current on case law, and continue my education through advanced programs, including professional development work through the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. I believe clients deserve an attorney who stays sharp, evolves, and never stops learning. I've also been known to teach at private events and have spoken around the world and in many part of the U.S.
My practice has shifted toward the areas where I can make the biggest difference with the least stress on clients: mediation, probate matters, and victim representation. I help people get clarity, resolution, and forward momentum without unnecessary courtroom chaos.
Earlier in my career, I spent years in trial (still do some trial work and even advise other firms on their cases), Bankruptcy, and Personal Injury because I’ve always gravitated toward helping good people who are stuck in difficult situations. That same protective drive fuels my current work: resolving conflict efficiently, guiding families through probate, and ensuring victims are heard and treated fairly.
My advice when choosing an attorney:
1) Work with someone you genuinely feel comfortable with — it becomes a partnership.
2) Choose someone who answers your questions clearly, not someone who talks over you.
#) Look for someone honest enough to explain weaknesses in your case instead of “selling you.”
My legal philosophy when it comes to working on a case is simple:
Only do the work if you can
a) Enjoy It,
b) Actually Help the Client, and
c) Still Maintain a Personal LIfe — in that order.
That’s how I run my practice today: clarity, fairness, professionalism, and real solutions that move people forward.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Matthew E. Williamson
490 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA, 93940
Law Offices Matthew E. Williamson
306 Capitol, Salinas, CA, 93901-2604
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Matthew Edward Williamson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Mimi | February 20, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Sharpest attorney I've ever met
I could make a guess at what his IQ is, but either way I am sure it is off the charts. Matthew might be one of the brilliant persons I have encountered in my lifetime-I feel like I found treasure in coming across his information. He is incredibly knowledgeable in his profession, but unlike some lawye...
Posted by M.M | June 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exceptional Attorney
Mathew is an exceptional attorney: his attention to details when it comes to DUI case is beyond valuable. He helped me after being falsely excused of DUI. He reviewed my case from every single angle; he left no stone unturned. He proved the officer was dishonest for personal reasons. His sharp atten...
Posted by anonymous | December 30, 2013
a great lawyer who cares the best interest of his client
I was in Salinas county first year after graduate study, after relocation all way to California, a contract was breached by a local company 10 days into it. He was referred by the Bar. Not only was he able to provide information to address the issue, and my concerns, he placed the interest of clie...
Posted by David C. | December 15, 2011
Thank you for your competent expertise and professionalism.
You helped us immensely. Thank you for your competent expertise and professionalism during this most challenging year of our lives. We strongly recommend Attorney Matthew Williamson.
Posted by Leann | September 9, 2011
Very Effective and Personable Consel
I called Mr. Williamson's practice and he called me back within ten minutes, as his staff promised. He was personable, well-informed and answered my questions clearly. He let me know exactly what my options were within the law regarding my debt issues and also gave me some supportive advice- a bonus ...
Matthew Edward Williamson's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Matthew Williamson for over seven-years. He is one of the best lawyers I have ever met. He consistently achieves excellent outcomes for his clients. I have referred both family and friends to him many times for guidance and representation over the years. I have found him to be extremely generous in many areas, and I consistently call him whenever I have a legal question."
"Mr. Williamson is one of most dedicated lawyers I know. He is always thinking of how he can expeditiously solve problems for his clients. He throws himself to his cases pouring over details that most other lawyers would miss which makes him extremely effective in trial. Plus he is a creative thinker which allows him and his clients to come up with unique solutions. Lastly I have referred family members to him. I cannot give a higher endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is knowledgeable and caring which is a great combination for a lawyer. If I needed help with bankruptcy, personal injury or a DUI in the Monterey area, I would contact him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I've known Matt for three to four years from some listservs we were both on, and was impressed with his contributions to the ongoing discussions. Since then I've had the good fortune to work with him as he's helped me gain additional knowledge and expertise in the areas of dealing with tax debt. He is both knowledgable and very skilled at conveying complex information in a straightforward manner. He is a top notch attorney and teacher."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. I know him personally to be professionally accomplished, well-educated in his fields, and committed to his clients."
"Matthew Williamson has extensive experience representing Debtors in bankruptcy and defending them from problems with the IRS. He is committed to personal service to the clients he represents."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew Williamson is a skilled and knowledgeable advocate. He will treat your fairly and competently. ."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew Williamson brings extensive experience, strong expertise, and great compassion to his representation of his clients. He is also a highly regarded educator of his peers who freely gives of his time without reservations."
"I have known Matthew for approximately 20 years. Without doubt, he is the single most influential individual in my career. It has been a privilege to work with him in different roles on hundreds of cases over the years as his associate, colleague and friend. I concur with all the endorsements from these fine lawyers. Matthew is an incredibly brilliant attorney and a visionary in the legal field."
"I have known Matthew since I became an attorney 13 years ago. He was an incredible mentor. I worked as an associate in his law firm for two years. He showed me how to skillfully use the law to bring about almost any desired result. It wasn’t manipulation. It wasn’t duplicity. It was an understanding that the law is a living breathing mass which can and should be molded to allow creative and necessary adaptation. I remember vividly a criminal defense case in which he took a seemingly routine police stop and turned it into a case of Outrageous Government Conduct. We got a dismissal. The DA had no idea what hit him! He never promised something he could not deliver. What he delivered was always a tremendous service. He is one of the most courageous and decisive attorneys I have ever known. What could be reckless in less skilled hands is bold advocacy in Matthew’s hands always tempered with a very deep sense of responsibility to his clients. I highly endorse Matthew."
"I had the pleasure of spending 6 hours with Matthew in the IRS Tax Dispute Training Course which Matthew provided for his fellow attorneys on Saturday, August 20, 2011. Matthew is highly knowledgeable about law and technology. His enthusiasm is contagious. He approaches his clients' problems creatively and he does it all while having fun. I would refer people to Matthew for Tax Disputes, Bankruptcy and DUI Defense."
"Matt is an outstanding attorney. He always tries to obtain the best outcomes for his client. And he is not only talented, but he is generous as well. He helps other lawyers selflessly. I'm delighted to endorse such a fine lawyer!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt and I had the pleasure of working on one of our counties largest civil fraud cases together. Matt did the lion's share of the work; I was very impressed by his constant level of skill. I could not have participated in this project with out his consistent expert legal magic. Matt and I have collaborated on at least one hundred DUI matters. We worked on a two defendant elder abuse matter; both clients had a long list of serious felony charges. Matt got me up to speed on the defense strategy thus allowing my client to get ALL of her charges dropped. Matt's client had all but one charge dropped. As part of the plea terms the client, with PAGES of felonies, did no jail time at all. It was like magic. He was always several steps ahead of the top end county prosecutors, giving us a constant edge. Matt even represented me in several personal civil matters; nothing but homers! Matt is very sharp and works until the job is finished; a top notch friend and lawyer"
"I've known Matt over some e-mail listservs over the past year. Matt always has intelligent, well thought out advice. I recommend this lawyer."
"I have had the good fortune of knowing Mr. Williamson as a colleague on listserv of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA). I find him to be an individual of great integrity and generosity. He has been very generous in sharing his wisdom and knowledge of the bankruptcy laws with the less-tenured and less-experienced colleagues on the list. He answers any inquiries posed to him with great degree of diligence and patience. I have personally benefited from his advice and guidance in filing bankruptcy cases in divisions and districts whose local rules and requirements were new to me. I believe that he is a very competent and experienced advocate, a caring and kind-hearted individual, and certainly an esteemed colleague in the industry. If I were to ever need his assistance in any legal matter that he practices, I would be very confident to know that I will be in good hands and my case will be taken care of with the highest degree of diligence and c"
"Matt has always been knowledgeable, well prepared, and a dedicated advocate for his clients. I've known him for well over a decade, and highly recommend him."
"I have had the opportunity to work along side Mr. Williamson and it is evident that he is a knowledgable and experienced attorney. In addition, he serves his clients well by providing a common sense approach to their problems and provides a goal oriented approach to every problem. It has been my pleasure to work with Mr. Williamson and I endorse him as one of the outstanding attorneys in Monterey County."
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Experience
Honors
2024
Certificate in Negotiation and Leadership, Program On Negotiation at Harvard Law School
2024
Certificate in Harvard Mediation Intensive, Program On Negotiation at Harvard Law School
2024
Negotiating When Parties Have Diverse, Deeply Held Convictions, Program On Negotiation at Harvard Law School
2012
Avvo Client’s Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Avvo Top Contributor Award, Avvo
1992
Moot Court Champion, California State University Chico
Work Experience
1999 - 1999
Instructor - Legal Writing & Research, University of California Santa Cruz
1992 - 1994
Owner, Paralegal, Access Legal Self-Help
1991 - 1992
President, North State Legal Self-Help
1990 - 1990
Representative, Chico Consumer Protection Agency
1989 - 1990
Representative, Disabled and the Law Program
Associations
2013 - Present
United States Tax CourtAdmitted to Practice
1996 - Present
United States District Court for the Northern District of CaliforniaAttorney
1996 - Present
Eastern District of California Federal CourtAttorney
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaLicensed Attorney
2009 - 2017
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
1999 - 2009
California DUI Lawyers AssociationRegular Member
1998 - 2004
California Public Defenders AssociationPrivate Attorney Regular Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Major Fraud Case – Only Acquittal + License Restored
Not Guilty - All Rights Restored
Camp Paradise Trial: Santa Cruz 2001
1/2 Found Not Guilty - 1/2 No Real Fines
Education
1996
Monterey COL
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
California St Univ Chico
BA - Bachelor of Arts - With Honors
Speaking Engagements
2013
IRS Dispute Resolution at Spanish Bay
2 Fulls Days of IRS Dispute Resolution For Attorneys
2011
Outcome Oriented Lawyer Series (For Lawyers and CPAs Only)
IRS Dispute Resolution
2011
Myths and Realities of Bankruptcy for Business Owners
Bankruptcy for Business Owners
2009
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy - Los Angeles
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
2009
Bankruptcy - How to Start Run and Do Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
2009
Bankruptcy - How to Start Run and Do Chapter 7 & 13 Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy
2004
Strategies in Handling DUI Cases in California
California Attorney's Guerilla Warfare Guide to DUI/DMV Defense
2000
Guerilla Warfare DUI Defense
DUI Defense
Publications
2000
Law Office Computing
Citation Showdown: A Head to Head Look at Key Cite, Shepard's Citations & Global Cite
1997
Law Office Computing
Various Articles Over a Multi-Month Period
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can 2 DUIs affect the road to citizenship?
12 Jun 2017
Q&A
If my employer is unable to pay me, can I refuse to work?
06 Jun 2017
Q&A
Can I fight a burglary charge if the person I burglarized was a drug dealer?
02 Jun 2017
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
5 Dirty Secrets to Hiring an Attorney
24 Aug 2009
Legal Guide
How to Avoid Messing Up Your First Day in Criminal Court
19 Aug 2009