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Matthew Wade McGowan
also known as GRIT CITY LAW, MCGOWAN LAW OFFICE
About Matthew
Biography
GRIT CITY LAW is a street-level criminal defense law firm providing experienced legal advice to any individual facing criminal charges, and comprehensive representation in criminal and quasi-criminal matters of all degrees of seriousness and complexity. GRIT CITY LAW attorneys are licensed to practice in all Washington State, County, Municipal and Federal courts.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
24 years | 2,300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 16 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
GRIT CITY LAW, PLLC.
1105 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA, 98402
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Matthew Wade McGowan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 26 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Shae | December 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DVPO & Family Law
Matt has been absolutely amazing since the very beginning. He first helped me keep my DVPO in place and later supported me through my family parenting plan. He’s so confident and solid in his work that I never had to doubt him for a second. He made sure I was protected, understood, and actually got w...
Posted by David L | October 20, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Professional and Efficient.
Very calm and professional - just what I needed at the time. Knowledgeable and empathetic - a great combination.
Posted by Drew | July 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Easily accessible and willing to communicate at all times
Matthew McGowan is easily accessible, very quick to respond via phone and professional. He has 16+ years experience and he helped me make sense of a very stressful and confusing situation. Thanks to his expertise and calm demeanor, the litigation against me was dismissed. I feel like his pricing is m...
Posted by Clayton | April 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
5/5
Gave mathew a hard case, but he insured me during all of this that things would work out and they did! Hopefully i never have to hire an attorney again but Mr. Mcgowan would be my first call.
Posted by Carla | April 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Matthew McGowan (best attorney)
Hi I just want to inform you all that Matthew McGowan is a great attorney. He represented my husbands brother for the last 3 1/2 months. He's very truthful and dedicated to his client and to the family. I won't go into the case, but believe me he's the Best!!!!! We would definitely hire him again(p...
Matthew Wade McGowan's Lawyer Endorsements
"McGowan is one of the most beloved criminal defense attorneys within the community of defense lawyers. He also is something of a "prosecutor whisperer.""
"I highly endorse Matthew. He is knowledgeable, effective and highly experienced at all levels of criminal defense. He knows how to get good results."
"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Matthew is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a tireless advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew McGowan is an experienced criminal defense attorney. He listens to his clients and works hard to get them a positive result."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have the pleasure of seeing Matthew in court on a regular basis and am truly impressed with his skill level and knowledge of the law and how hard he fights for his clients. I highly endorse Matthew as a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. McGowan is an impressive advocate for his clients. He is compassionate, articulate and has a thorough knowledge of the law. He may look young, but don't let that fool you. He is an exceptional trial attorney and gets great results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I know few attorneys who fight for their clients as hard as Mr. McGowan does. He is very passionate about helping people and is very knowledgeable about the law."
"Matthew is a tough and well respected attorney in Western Washington. He fights hard for his clients and goes the extra mile. I highly recommend his services to someone facing a criminal charge."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a strong advocate and an experienced trial attorney. He has handled everything from first offense misdemeanors to complicated serious felonies, and earns his clients trust through excellent communication, empathy, and zealous representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew McGowan works hard to give his clients high quality representation."
"Matt is a very well respected attorney in Pierce County. He is a very experienced trial attorney and has vast knowledge in regards to criminal law."
"I highly endorse his work. He is a zealous, hardworking advocate for those accused of a crime."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working criminal defense attorney who doesn't settle for less than the best for his clients."
"Mr. McGowan is a very effective advocate for his clients and I have seen him work aggressively and tirelessly for them in the courtroom. I am more than happy to endorse and recommend this lawyer."
"Mr. Mcgowan is a tireless advocate for his clients and a force to be reckoned with. I have had the pleasure of working with him on multiple occasions and consider him to be one of the most dedicated attorneys I know. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone facing criminal charges."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew works hard to provide his clients with high quality representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working, intelligent attorney who is always working for his clients."
"Matthew is a well-prepared and extremely intelligent attorney. In addition, he is a consumate professional and obtains excellent results for his clients. I am happy to endorse Matthew."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Volunteer of the Year, Tacoma Pro Bono Community Lawyers
2013
NCDC Summer Program Tuition Grant, National Criminal Defense College
2007
Public Interest Law Grant, Public Interest Law Association
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Managing Partner, GRIT CITY LAW, PLLC
2009 - Present
Conflict Panel Attorney, Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel
2011 - 2023
Solo Practitioner, McGowan Law Office
2008 - 2010
Associate Attorney, McPherson Law Office
2007 - 2009
Criminal Attorney - Contracted, Tolin & Victoria
2007 - 2007
Criminal Defense Intern, The Defender's Association, Seattle
2006 - 2006
Criminal Appeals Intern, Law Offices of Ellis, Holmes & Witchley,
Associations
2009 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
Education
2008
University of Washington School of Law
Juris Doctor
1997
University of Washington - Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2025
National Law Day High School Outreach
Foundation and Fundamentals of the Election Process
2024
Washington State Mock Trial Competition
Criminal Trial Advocacy
2020
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
Legal Ethics
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My grandson is being charged with felony assault. the Court officer served him a summons at school is this proper?
30 Apr 2025
Q&A
Mis-scanned sippy cup at Walmart, will a Warrant be issued?
30 Apr 2025
Q&A
If court clerk or lawyer made error and I got arrested over it is this legal
30 Apr 2025