Matthew Ames Peterson, Environmental Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, General, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
San Diego, CA
Practicing environmental in San Diego since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Matthew Ames Peterson?
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Quick answer
Matthew Ames Peterson is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson & Price, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Environmental · General · Government
- Handles Environmental, General, and Government matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Matthew Ames Peterson: Matthew Ames Peterson is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson & Price, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew Ames Peterson
Matthew concentrates on environmental, general, government, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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General
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Government
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes environmental matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes general matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Government cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes government matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes real estate matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes zoning matters in San Diego, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew Ames Peterson — Over 40 years of California environmental experience
Matthew Ames Peterson is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Environmental, General, and Government. Matthew has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Peterson & Price, APC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Matthew Ames Peterson is a lawyer practicing municipal and governmental advocacy, including permitting and processing of discretionary and administrative permits, subdivisions and 4 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from San Diego State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Matthew practices at Peterson & Price, APC in San Diego, CA.
How Matthew handles environmental matters
Matthew Ames Peterson is a lawyer practicing municipal and governmental advocacy, including permitting and processing of discretionary and administrative permits, subdivisions and 4 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from San Diego State University in 1982, and has been licensed for 40 years. Matthew practices at Peterson & Price, APC in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Matthew takes
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, general, and government matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Matthew Ames Peterson's legal education and bar admissions
University of San Diego
J.D. · 1986
San Diego State University
B.A. · 1982
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
California
1986 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in San Diego State University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in University of San Diego and B.A. in San Diego State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Matthew Ames Peterson
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations
San Diego County Bar Association
Sections on: Property Law Co-chair, Environmental and Land Use Section and Council, San Diego International Sports · membership
Locations
Matthew Ames Peterson's office in San Diego
Matthew's primary office is at 530 B St., Ste. 1800, San Diego, CA, 92101-3301. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Ames Peterson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental attorneys in San Diego.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew Ames Peterson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Ames Peterson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Ames Peterson
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in California typically take?
Simple environmental matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside San Diego?
Matthew is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new environmental clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Matthew handles environmental matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in California
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in San Diego handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





