Matthew Curran Knauss

I made a pretty big mistake and was in deep. I interviewed many local lawyers and was disappointed that most had a prescriptive approach. Each sounded more cookie-cutter than the next, and none of those cookie-cutters seemed appropriate for my situation. All seemed geared toward a deal, none seemed o...riented to ensuring my full representation under the law. Matt Knauss broke that mold. It was obvious that he really knew what he was doing. His rates were at the middle of the scale for area lawyers, but he immediately treated me as a long-time client, even though we had just met. More importantly, he treated me as though I was his only client throughout the entire process. Unlike the others, Matt brings an entire firm to bear when needed. His toolkit includes senior partners that literally wrote the book on Washington Statues pertaining to this specific expertise. He has junior associates with superior intellectual prowess and peers that enable him to be in two places at once. You don’t get shucked off on voicemail for hours on end, it just doesn’t happen. Matt explained in detail my options and what the different outcomes would likely be. I was never confused. He was a prosecutor. He knows the law. He knows how the prosecution works, how they perform their duties and he knows them, as well as the justices. They have relationships based on mutual respect. His points are thoughtfully considered and not passively dismissed as they are with the serial plea dealers that seem to exist to settle for a conviction for the next-lower offense. Watching the plea mills during many court appearances and seeing good lawyers doing a good job of representing clients cemented my realization that Matt operates on a different plane, a higher level. If you’re looking, do yourself a huge favor and give Matt a call before you finalize your choice. Maybe the plea deal makes sense for you. Maybe one day it will mean the difference between getting a job that allows for no convictions. Either way, for the same money, you should know your options and know the full extent of your rights. My case turned out better than I had dared to hope. That’s the highest endorsement I have. Matt, If you are reading this, you have my sincere and undying gratitude. Thank you so much.

Around New Year's eve a couple of years back I found myself in the midst of a life-changing and most embarrassing incident. I had never been in trouble legally before and I was afraid to say the least. My arrest was the culmination of an unfortunate sequence of events in my personal life that year ...and I was already in a dark place mentally. At that time, I was a recent graduate of the University of Washington with aspirations to attend Law School in the near future. I was convinced that I may as well say goodbye to those dreams after this incident. I needed someone like Matthew to help convince me otherwise and he did that and so much more. What impressed me most was the genuine and sincere nature with which Matthew received my family and I. I was impressed and comforted instantaneously as Matthew, knowing little or no facts of my case, showed up on a Saturday morning to begin my defense, which he pursued with vigor and zeal until its resolution. Though I had never been involved personally with the legal system, I knew enough about it to be fully aware that I was not Matthew's only client. That said, one would never have been able to tell as I felt he was always there, even to respond to the most nominal inquiry. Perhaps most importantly, Matthew impressed me in his personal and his official capacity. Specifically, he treated me like a human being, with understanding and compassion. He gave me the benefit of the doubt and didn't treat me like a career criminal (unfortunately the same can't be said for the Seattle PD). The words simply don't exist to describe how much better about the whole process Matthew and his firm made me feel. As the title of the review indicates, Matthew, the other Cowan Kirk Gaston attorneys, and the rest of the firm's staff were at all times consummate professionals. I remember one morning when Matthew had a scheduling conflict during a court appearance of mine. I remember thinking for a second, "well, this is just great." That morning being a fairly simple and quick hearing, I wondered if Matt would send a more junior associate or an office staff member or something to this effect. I should have known better as he did neither. Rather, he arranged for one of the firm's senior partners to appear his stead. If that doesn't impress and reassure, I don't know what would. The case against me appeared strong and the outcome bleak, but Matthew never stopped working towards a more favorable resolution. Matthew quite literally fought on my behalf until the 11th hour and he was able to secure a much, much better resolution to my case than we'd ever expected was possible. Matthew and Cowan Kirk Gaston epitomize class and professionalism. As I recall that chapter in my life, I begin to wonder if it truly was that unfortunate after all, Certainly, I wish I could take it back, but with Matthew's help I was able to cast the darkness of everything aside and focus on the tunnel's light. Actually, I was so impressed with the representation that I knew I belonged on the other side of the law with certainty and I began to pursue my own goals with renewed vehemence. I'm proud to say that I've just recently embarked on my second year of law school and some credit for renewing my faith in the justice system is due Matthew and his firm. I have already recommended Matthew's services and will continue to do so with fervor in the future.

If you have to be going through this, it's best to go through it with Matt... Working with Matt was great! He is very knowledgeable, compassionate and patient with the legal process. Having a smart, calm, methodical attorney really helped me relax, focus on the things I could control and feel that ...I was in good hands. I would highly reccommend Matt to anyone!

I have had several DUI's in the past and was on probabtion. During my probation, I was arrested for drinking and 3 other offenses. I was terrified of going to jail. It was almost inevitable. Upon meeting Matt Knauss, he made me feel like everything was going to be okay and gave me many options on ...how to go about my case. I never once felt as if I were in the dark or just left wondering what was going to happen to me. This wasnt my first run around the block, I have been in trouble before. So, I know how lawyers can be, and Matt Knauss is unlike any other. During my court appearances Mr Knauss was NEVER late and always made me feel as if I were his only case. When everyone around me was headed right to jail for the same offense, I was able to leave the day of my appearance. It did not look good for me, however he helped me see through the fear. During all of this, I was getting ready to move out of state to NYC and truley thought that I would not be able to because of probation, jail, or other punishment. Mr Knauss understood this and worked tirelessly on my behalf. In the end, my punishment was minimal, especially for my crime. In which he was truley honest and upfront about this in the very beginning, I was going to have some type of reprocussions....like I said it wasnt my first run around the block. I had 3 days of work crew, a small fine and further unreporting probation. However, he was able to work it that I could leave the state 3 weeks later. Im not going to say he works miracles, he just works his ass off for his clients. His INTEGRITY is matched by no-one...that is hard to find these days. Professionalism and results are what you will get with Mr Matt Knauss.

Matthew represented me for my DUI case and the result was much better than I thought it could be. I have never been in any real trouble before, and was quite scared about what the outcome would be. Matthew was there for me every step of the way to answer all my questions (and occasionally, the same q...uestion repeatedly!) He is smart, talented and reliable. I would recommend him to anyone facing a DUI/DWI case.