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 Washington 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 Seattle?

Matthew is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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.

Matthew J Smith, Appellate Attorney in Seattle

Quick answer

Matthew J Smith is a managing partner & trial attorney based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Matthew has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith McBroom, PLLC.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 23 years
Known for: Appellate · Business · Civil Rights

Handles Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Matthew J Smith

Matthew concentrates on appellate, business, civil rights, contracts, and elder law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Seattle, Washington

Matthew takes appellate matters in Seattle, Washington. 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.

Business cases in Seattle, Washington

Matthew takes business matters in Seattle, Washington. 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.

Civil Rights cases in Seattle, Washington

Matthew takes civil rights matters in Seattle, Washington. 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.

Contracts cases in Seattle, Washington

Matthew takes contracts matters in Seattle, Washington. 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.

Elder Law cases in Seattle, Washington

Matthew takes elder law matters in Seattle, Washington. 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 J Smith — Over 23 years of Washington appellate experience

Matthew J Smith is a managing partner & trial attorney based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Matthew has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Smith McBroom, PLLC.

Matthew J Smith is a lawyer practicing personal injury, wrongful death, government negligence and 15 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of Puget Sound in 1996, and has been licensed for 23 years. Matthew practices at Smith McBroom, PLLC in Seattle, WA.

Working with Matthew on a appellate matter

Matthew J Smith is a lawyer practicing personal injury, wrongful death, government negligence and 15 other areas of law. Matthew received a B.A. degree from University of Puget Sound in 1996, and has been licensed for 23 years. Matthew practices at Smith McBroom, PLLC in Seattle, WA.

Clients Matthew works with

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and civil rights matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Matthew J Smith's legal education and bar admissions

University of Washington School of Law
J.D. · 2002
University of Puget Sound
B.A. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

Washington United St
2003 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. in University of Puget Sound.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. in University of Puget Sound. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Matthew J Smith's office in Seattle

Matthew's primary office is at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 210, Seattle, WA, 98188. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Smith McBroom, PLLC

16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite 210

Seattle, WA 98188

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew J Smith

Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Matthew J Smith can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew J Smith — 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 Seattle, Washington

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 J Smith

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 Washington 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 Seattle?
Matthew is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Washington residents in the last few months, answered by appellate attorneys like Matthew J Smith. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What happens after filing an appeal in a personal injury case in Washington?
I filed an appeal after losing my personal injury case in Seattle last year. I’m anxious about what comes next. Will I get a date for a hearing, and how long does the appeal proces
1 verified answer · Appellate · Washington
How do I file an appeal against a payday loan judgment in Louisiana?
I lost a court case regarding a payday loan in Baton Rouge and want to know how to file an appeal. The lender used questionable practices that I want to contest. What specific step
1 verified answer · Appellate · Louisiana
What rights do I have in appealing a credit report dispute in Alaska?
I disputed an error on my credit report in Anchorage, but it was rejected. This error is affecting my ability to secure a loan, and I want to know what rights I have in appealing t
1 verified answer · Appellate · Alaska
What is the procedure for appealing a zoning decision in Michigan?
I’m fighting a zoning decision made by our local council in Detroit that restricts my property development. I want to know the exact steps for appealing this decision in Michigan.
1 verified answer · Appellate · Michigan
What is the cost to appeal a traffic ticket in New Jersey?
I received a traffic ticket in Newark for a speeding violation, but I wasn’t speeding. I’m considering appealing the ticket, but I’m worried about the costs involved. Can someone e
1 verified answer · Appellate · New Jersey
Can a federal court case be appealed in Illinois state court?
I was involved in a federal lawsuit in Chicago, but I lost my case concerning a contract dispute. I’m confused about the appeal process; can I appeal in state court or do I have to
1 verified answer · Appellate · Illinois

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

Matthew handles appellate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

Matthew J Smith, Appellate Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Quick answer