When this case erupted at the end of the summer, I went shopping for the best representation I could afford. I had it set in my mind that I needed to spend top money in order to fight for my children. It was a very long, high-conflict, low-hope case. A tragedy, to say the least.

The first day in court was when I learned that representation could/would be appointed. For the first thirty seconds I was so happy and excited just to be represented that it never really sunk in what a court-appointed lawyer is. About two hours later, I was worried again and still searching for representation.

You called within hours of receiving notification that you were appointed (and if not, it felt that way to me). You already had an idea of the case at hand, yet I did not feel judged, and you were eager to meet me. I sincerely felt hopeful when I left our first meeting. I was heard, I felt a part of the process and I felt like I knew what I needed to do (almost nothing!). You and your staff were there through every fear, every doubt, and every stick thrown in our path. Calm, cool and collected. I had read of your experience with my type of case, and that you had represented so many like me, but like many who know this heartache, I read it with a bias out of fear. I didn’t believe it. This case was so complex, I didn’t have faith that even a million-dollar attorney could do it.

Never once did I feel [like I was] a burden. Every phone call was important to you. Every email had a response. Never once did I feel like you were unavailable. Never once did I question your dedication to me, my family and the law. A million dollars doesn’t seem to be enough for the sincerity I found in you.

I want to thank you for your time and dedication to the things that you do. You step outside of the box, you go above and beyond and you truly set the bar as to how any legal experience should go, as any human should be, always his best no matter the audience.

I can leave this stage in my life knowing my family is safe and with a restored faith in how our legal system works. These aren’t accidental side effects of meeting you, Matthew, I feel this was and is your intention in life and how you became who and what you are. With a true passion for the legal process, law, families and justice you perfectly balanced over 16 years of my legal mess into neat little folders. You saw me through from start to finish and for that I wish nothing but the best for you in this life.

I sincerely can’t thank you enough.