Matthew Wade McGowan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Shae | December 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

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...hat I needed out of the parenting plan. He’s also incredibly personable and patient. Looking back, he put up with a lot of my anxiety and honestly, I probably didn’t even need to stress as bad as I did because he handled everything so well in the end. He always explained things clearly, answered my questions, and made me feel supported through a really hard time. You will not regret choosing him. He’s just great in so many ways, skilled, confident, and genuinely cares about his clients.

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Posted by anonymous | October 07, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Family

S-tier service

Working with Matthew has been a pleasure. He has always remained professional, is very down to earth, and I can attest that he will fight for what is right. During my ongoing situation, he has done a lot of things he does not normally do and has provided me with resources to help me in a wild Family ...Law matter. I deeply appreciated the support I have received from Matthew and I assure you, you won't be disappointed with him representing you. Thank you!

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Posted by Carlin | February 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Pro se is a better route

I paid this guy a lot of money to fight a obstruction of police officer charge because I wouldn't walk away from the scene of the tow truck impounding car because I wouldn't let him search because of a straw. Officer stated to the judge that I was arrested for possession of a firearm and a controlled... substance to obtain a search warrant. He wouldn't challenge the search or get my rifle back that was legally in the trunk. He withdrew from my case and went on without him and at the pretrial the judge dismissed the case and I was able to get my rifle back. He said I wouldn't be able to get it back and wanted me to take a deal.

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Matthew McGowan

Replied last February 19, 2024

This case stands out as one of the very, very few from which I've ever withdrawn prior to resolution. The pretrial resolution I negotiated for this client (which did not include a guilty plea) would also have resulted in a dismissal and likely return of seized property. Unfortunately, productive communication with this client was exceedingly difficult. A significant portion of fees were refunded when I left the case. This client did not resolve the case pro se, but with the assistance of subsequent counsel. I am happy to hear that this client eventually found a favorable outcome.

Posted by Ashley | February 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney

A true legal MacGuyer that ensures the best outcome for his clients

Matthew not only came highly regarded amongst his peers and clients, but he has continuously exceeded his reputation. I cannot say enough positive things about my experience as his client. I came to Matthew during an extremely confusing, stressful, and difficult time in my life. In just one call, Mat...thew provided me with advice I take action on. I knew things were going to turn around by the end of that call. Matthew has effectively navigated my highly complex legal situation with an unprecedented amount of ingenuity and skill. I consider myself lucky to have have this titan in my corner.

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Posted by Lisa | September 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Extremely Knowledgeable and Professional

My husband and I hired Mr. McGowan to help 2 of our children with legal issues that included a restraining order and reckless driving / leaving scene of accident. He consistently provided a calm and professional demeaner during times of confusion and worry. He guided both children and us through the ...process. His advice on actions to take prior to court helped in getting the charges diminished. Matthew responded to all our questions timely and kept us well informed. We can’t thank him enough for his professional guidance and work on our behalf.

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Matthew Wade McGowan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Matthew

Christopher Van Vechten

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"McGowan is one of the most beloved criminal defense attorneys within the community of defense lawyers. He also is something of a "prosecutor whisperer.""

John Cyr

Unknown lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I highly endorse Matthew. He is knowledgeable, effective and highly experienced at all levels of criminal defense. He knows how to get good results."

Dennis Schroader

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I enthusiastically endorse this lawyer. Matthew is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a tireless advocate for his clients."

Hayley Fulton

Unknown lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Russell Atkatsh

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Tymczyszyn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Michael Maltby

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Natalie Durflinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Martha Mclaughlin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Philip Sayles

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Stefanie Dorn

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Nadine Bertman

Criminal defense lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew McGowan works hard to give his clients high quality representation."

Michael Harbeson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Jeffrey Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse his work. He is a zealous, hardworking advocate for those accused of a crime."

Angela Horwath

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working criminal defense attorney who doesn't settle for less than the best for his clients."

Laura Keys

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Nicole Hankins

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

LadyClaire Kintanar

Unknown lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew works hard to provide his clients with high quality representation."

Scott Moriarity

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is a hard working, intelligent attorney who is always working for his clients."

Andrew Yi

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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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John Cyr

Criminal defense lawyer