Biography
Matthew Guthrie is a compassionate and dedicated practitioner of family law. While born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Matthew earned his legal experience abroad as a Judge Advocate (Sometimes called a “J.A.G.”) with the United States Marine Corps, where he represented service members and their families in a variety of legal areas, including wills & estates, consumer defense, landlord tenant issues, tax law, and family law/divorce. Matthew also spent the better part of a decade in Chicago, Illinois, as a private practitioner, a Guardian Ad Litem, and a Pro Bono Legal Aid attorney for victims of domestic violence. Most recently, Matthew practiced in upstate New York briefly as both a private practitioner and mediator before returning to his home state of Texas. The unique skills and perspectives gained by Matthew over his 14 years of service are reflected in his approach to conflict resolution and his affable demeanor.
Matthew specifically sought out a position within Modern Family because he was drawn to the firm’s ability to incorporate advances in technology into the courtroom experience. His confidence in the whole team, encompassing skilled attorneys, dedicated paralegals, and an awesome administrative team, ensures that client cases progress swiftly. This amounts to a more convenient and seamless courtroom experience as well as a more efficient practice.
Specializing in contested divorces and child custody disputes, Matthew understands the profound impact legal issues can have on individuals and their loved ones. His practice is driven by a genuine desire to help people navigate the most difficult times in their lives. As such, Matthew always makes it a priority to learn the unique circumstances of his clients’ lives and cater to these specific needs and goals whenever possible.
Matthew’s professional ethos blends a compassionate approach with unwavering fearlessness when stepping into the courtroom. He will make every attempt to negotiate a resolution until it becomes clear that conflict is inevitable. When the hearing starts, the gloves come off.
Interesting Facts
When he’s not in the office, you can find Matthew building furniture in his garage, raising/training dogs, and trying (often failing) to break his personal records in Olympic Weightlifting.
Matthew believes in empowering his clients with knowledge and fostering open communication. He believes that the best kind of representation resembles a strong partnership. One that involves mutual understanding and mutual respect. By maintaining transparent and honest dialogue, Matthew ensures that clients are informed and actively involved in the decision-making process. Matthew also draws on his experience as an advocate for survivors of domestic violence to ensure that the outcome provides a safe, effective, and trauma-informed result for his clients.
Whenever possible, Matthew’s goal is to foster cooperation and communication between family members and to help them find common ground. He prioritizes the well-being of both parents, their mutual children, and those who love them all. The best outcomes support harmony and a positive future for all involved, so whenever possible, Matthew will try to build bridges and foster a positive relationship between the parties.
However, when negotiations falter, Matthew seamlessly transitions into a proactive stance. Going on the attack and leveraging the most vital information provided by his clients to provide context and clarity to the presiding judge, arbitrator, Jury, or other third-party finder-of-fact. In either circumstance, Matthew proves the adage that there is no better friend and no greater enemy than a Marine.
Matthew attended the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, where he earned a B.A. in history (and almost enough credits to obtain a minor in Astronomy). After signing a law Contract with the United States Marine Corps, he attended Law School at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, where he participated in the Civil Law clinic and the school’s Mock Trial program. As part of his service, Matthew worked with Marine Judge Advocates in both Camp Pendleton, California, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, during the summer of his 1L and 2L years. Following Law School, Matthew attended Officer training at The Basic School, where he graduated with honors after learning infantry tactics, navigation, Marine Corps history, leadership principles, and several other vital skills associated with being an Officer in the USMC. Matthew also attended the Naval Justice School, where he again graduated with honors before he began his Practice as a Marine Corps Judge Advocate.
Throughout the years, Matthew has attended intensive training to become a Guardian Ad Litem, a Mediator, and a member of the Collaborative practice of family law.
Matthew volunteers his time with the Ronald McDonald House, where he makes dinner for children or families dealing with long-term medical care. He also regularly volunteers at his local food bank when time allows.
Matthew is also proud to volunteer at his local animal shelter whenever possible. Matthew feels quite strongly that every dog, cat, or animal deserves a loving home as much as every home deserves a loving companion.