
Matthew McGowan
Tacoma, WA Criminal Defense Attorney
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense, Violent Crimes
Main Office
Grit City Law, PLLC
1105 Tacoma Avenue South
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: 253-254-6277
Fax: 253-264-3316
About Matthew McGowan
For more than 23 years, Matthew has dedicated his career to working closely with individuals facing criminal charges. His journey began behind bullet-proof glass at the front desk of Seattle’s renowned Public Defender Association and continued through law school, where he contributed to death-penalty appellate cases. In 2011, he established his own law practice, building on years of hands-on experience and courtroom insight.
Matthew is widely recognized for his role in a high-profile, seven-month quadruple homicide trial in Kitsap County Superior Court. While he is thoroughly prepared for litigation when necessary, he also brings a clear-eyed perspective to plea negotiations and case strategy. He understands that not every case should proceed to trial—and when it should, he knows how to proceed with purpose.
Education
University of Washington School of Law, JD-2008University of Washington, BA-1997
Bar Associations
Washington State Bar AssociationHonors & Awards
National Criminal Defense College: NCDC Summer Program Tuition Grant-2013Public Interest Law Association: Public Interest Law Grant-2007
Professional Associations
American Bar Association; Member, 2009-2025Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association; Member, 2009-2025
