Matthew Frederick

‘Their bad behavior doesn’t justify your bad behavior’ is a moral motto that is incredibly impactful and useful, that is easy to say, but that oftentimes is very hard to follow. Many individuals experiencing divorce fail to adhere to this simple maxim at their peril. Taking the first step towards being the “adult in the room” can make all the difference in the world.

Matt is new to the realm of Family Law but learned from his mother from a young age about the care with which divorce must be approached, especially when children’s childhoods are at stake. Learning from her about her Family Law practice and working over the summers with her as a child inspired him (among other inspirations) to pursue a law degree and, eventually, join forces with Schantz Fanning, P.C. Losing her to the opiate epidemic taught Matt to plan for tomorrow but live for today, which is an attitude he confidently brings with him to Family Law litigation.

Much like Chris Fanning, Matt also is not afraid to fight for his clients in and out of court but strives to provide his clients with an honest assessment of their options and the benefits and risks of those options. As a sensitive, caring man who has experienced the unexpected end of two long term relationships and who has seen the daybreak after what appeared at first to be eternal nights, Matt has a particular interest in helping those individuals who are experiencing divorce, child custody/visitation, or other issues that they did not anticipate navigate the process and emerge standing strong, solid, and smiling on the other side.

Prior to joining Schantz Fanning P.C., Matt attended the University of Texas School of Law, but only after turning down a Family Law scholarship at University of Oregon to specialize in one of his greatest passions – Environmental Law and Litigation. During and immediately after law school, Matt worked with environmental nonprofits to bring a modicum of justice to those poisoned by agriculture and industry. Then, he went on to serve for a year as law clerk to Multnomah County Presiding Judge Judith Matarazzo, where he lost forever all fear of the courtroom – not that he had any to begin with having been raised (and sometimes babysat) in the courtroom. Finally, he litigated for two intense years in state and federal court as an insurance defense litigator before deciding to transition to follow in his mom’s footsteps. 

When Matt isn’t practicing Family Law, you are most likely to find him either spending time with his loving partner and sweet cat, out enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty, playing the drums, or studying environmental science and policy. 

Matt thanks you in advance for considering retaining the services of Schantz Fanning, P.C., and looks forward to making your acquaintance.

Education

Juris Doctor

University of Texas School of Law

Texas Environmental Law Journal – Senior Editor

Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Agriculture

The Evergreen State College

Professional

Oregon State Bar, Member

Multnomah County Bar Association, Member