Jeff Matthews is a veteran family lawyer who has practiced family law in Oregon for over 30 years. He has distinguished himself as one of Portland’s most respected divorce and family law attorneys with his leadership, professionalism, and interdisciplinary approach to family law. Jeff is a longtime Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the immediate past president of the AAML Oregon chapter.
After several years away, Jeff has returned to Gevurtz Menashe where he continues his practice on financially complex divorce cases that include the valuation and protection of estates with high net worth, business interests, and other property distribution issues. He is also skilled with high conflict custody litigation. Prior to rejoining Gevurtz Menashe, Jeff was a Partner at McKinley Irvin, as well as a shareholder at Yates Matthews Family Law.
As a family law attorney, Jeff views his role with his clients as twofold. First, he serves as a guide through a huge life transition, seeing them through to the next chapter of their lives as whole as possible. Second, he is his client’s zealous advocate, committed to protecting what they value most.
“My approach with clients is to provide them with the best outcome we can achieve in their particular situation,” says Jeff. “I listen and learn what their goals are, so I can provide informed and concrete advice on their situation that leads to a positive resolution.”
Jeff chose to focus his practice on family law because he is “drawn to people and their life stories. I’m fulfilled by helping clients and their families, where every case is different and presents unique challenges to tackle.”
He has earned a reputation in the legal community as a successful advocate by focusing first on cooperative communication with the opposing party and their counsel. Jeff knows that this approach often results in a quicker and less costly legal process. When necessary, however, he is no stranger to the courtroom, having represented clients in over 100 trials and hearings over the years of his practice.
Jeff is committed to the community and has served with a number of non-profit organizations that aid those in need. In 1997 Jeff founded Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger which over the years has now raised over $1 million for Oregon Food Bank. When he’s not working, Jeff loves the outdoors, often accompanied by his dogs – Chester, a Golden Retriever and Amos Lee, a Bernese Mountain Dog. He very much enjoys literature and music; has completed seven marathons; barbeques in the rain and is an uncompromising Ducks fan.
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Chat withState: Oregon
Acquired: 1982
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115 NW First Ave, Suite 400, Portland, OR, 97209
6 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews
Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family
Steer Clear
I was represented by Jeffrey Matthews for a short period of time. In that period of time Jeffrey accomplished nothing more than collecting my money. He offered ZERO positive results in my case and added disorganized frustration to my seemingly simple family law matter. When I attempted to discuss ...
Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Fantastic! Excellent Communication and Arbiter
I have used Mr. Matthews many times, and every time he's been extremely helpful with difficult situations. It's quite obvious he's respected by his peers on both sides of the table. I highly recommend him and his team.
Posted by anonymous | October 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Professional, ingenious & tenacious
I just endured a 4 year-long divorce of extreme complexity. I was impressed by Jeff's ingenuity, his patience, and his honesty. He's a great guy to have on your side.
Posted by Marilyn | November 09, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Support
Child Support Modification
We just finished a child support modification case and Jeff was our attorney. He went above and beyond looking out for a very close friend we are guardians for. Jeff is a very smart and fair attorney and a very honest man. We would highly recommend him to take care of any family law needs you may hav...
Posted by Mike | October 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Simply the Best
I recently completed a three year contentious divorce that involved a very difficult custody battle and a complex and rare financial situation. Jeff Matthews was my attorney and I don't think I would have gotten through it without him. Jeff provided me expert guidance and advice, sometimes not wh...
"I endorse Jeff wholeheartedly. He is one of the most accomplished and respected family law attorneys in Portland and in the State of Oregon. Jeff is a passionate advocate for his clients and brings all that he has to the personal representation of each one."
Divorce and separation lawyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Family lawyer
Family lawyer
2019
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer, Oregon Super Lawyers
2018
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2017
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2016
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2016
Best Lawyer, Best Lawyers in America
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2014
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2013
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2012
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2011
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2009
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2008
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2007
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters
2000
Award of Merit, Multnomah Bar Association
2019 - Present
Of Counsel, GEVURTZ MENASHE
2016 - Present
Partner, Mckinley Irvin, PLLC
1999 - 2016
Shareholder, Yates Matthews Family Law, PC
1988 - 1999
Attorney, Gevurtz Menashe Larson & Howe, PC
1986 - 1988
Attorney, Brothers, Drew & Titkin
1984 - 1986
Attorney, Hyatt Legal Services
1982 - 1984
Partner, Behrends & Matthews
2014 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2014 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Oregon chapter)President
2008 - Present
Portland Children's Relief NurseryBoard of Directors
1982 - Present
Oregon State BarMember
1982 - Present
Multnomah County Bar AssociationMember
Member
Member
2006 - 2007
Multnomah Bar FoundationPresident
2005 - 2006
Multnomah Bar FoundationSecretary/Treasurer
2001 - 2005
Multnomah County Bar AssociationBoard Member
2000 - 2000
Multnomah Bar Association, CLE CommitteeChair
1999 - 2004
Oregon Food BankBoard Member
1999 - 2004
Northwest Housing AlternativesBoard Member
1998 - 2000
Multnomah Bar Association, CLE CommitteeMember
1981
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2008
Attorney Fees in Family Law Cases
2008
Premarital/Postnuptial Agreements
1997
1989
English