Matthew Ian Terry, Appellate Attorney in San Diego, California
Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI
San Diego, CA
Practicing appellate in San Diego since 2010.
- 16+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Matthew Ian Terry?
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Quick answer
Matthew Ian Terry is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- San Diego, CA
- Experience
- over 16 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from San Diego, CA.
- Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Matthew Ian Terry: Matthew Ian Terry is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Matthew's practice areas in San Diego
Matthew concentrates on appellate, criminal defense, dui/dwi, general, and military. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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General
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Military
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Appellate cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes appellate 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.
Criminal Defense cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes criminal defense 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.
DUI/DWI cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes dui/dwi 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.
Military cases in San Diego, California
Matthew takes military 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
Matthew Ian Terry, appellate attorney serving San Diego
Matthew Ian Terry is an attorney based in San Diego, CA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Matthew has over 16 years of legal experience. Matthew works from San Diego, California and takes on appellate matters across the region.
Matthew Ian Terry is a lawyer practicing criminal law, law practice mgmt, dui & dwi and 3 other areas of law. Matthew received a degree from Thomas Jefferson SOL, San Diego, CA, and has been licensed for 16 years. Matthew practices in San Diego, CA.
Matthew's approach to appellate cases
Matthew Ian Terry is a lawyer practicing criminal law, law practice mgmt, dui & dwi and 3 other areas of law. Matthew received a degree from Thomas Jefferson SOL, San Diego, CA, and has been licensed for 16 years. Matthew practices in San Diego, CA.
The kind of cases Matthew takes
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in San Diego and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD · 2009
Thomas Jefferson SOL, San Diego, CA California St Univ Chico, Chico, CA
—
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
California
2010 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at JD in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and — in Thomas Jefferson SOL, San Diego, CA California St Univ Chico, Chico, CA.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed JD in Thomas Jefferson School of Law and — in Thomas Jefferson SOL, San Diego, CA California St Univ Chico, Chico, CA. 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.
Locations
Matthew Ian Terry's office in San Diego
Matthew's primary office is at 11622 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA, 92130. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew Ian Terry
Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew Ian Terry — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in San Diego, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew Ian Terry
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in California typically take?
Simple appellate 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
Matthew handles appellate matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate 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
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