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Matthew R. Muenzen

Associate

"It is not the critic who counts... The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. - The Man in the Arena, Theodore Roosevelt"

Oregon
Portland
(503) 227-1515
Matt has spent most of his life doing his best to help others.  As a former police officer and public defense attorney, he was committed to supporting and assisting community members, organizations, and clients.  He uses his passion for helping others to guide, educate, and support family law clients. Depending on the circumstances, Matt can be a zealous advocate or a silent warrior. He knows what it takes to win a case or how to find a reasonable and collaborative resolution. Family law and juvenile law matters are often complicated and overwhelming.  Matt is genuine, dedicated, and hard-working and provides personal and customized legal advice to clients based on compassion and respect.

Matt has been practicing family law, with an emphasis on juvenile law, since 2008, first in Tennessee and then in Oregon. He was previously a supervising attorney and a special advisor to a deputy commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. In addition to practicing family law, Matt has represented children and parents in child welfare matters and often presents on topics related to child abuse and neglect. When dealing with the Oregon Department of Human Services, many different types of legal issues can arise. There are severe consequences in these cases and Matt has the experience and tenacity to help people navigate the complex nature of these matters.

Outside the courtroom, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, exploring the beauty of Oregon, tasting new bourbon and coffee, working in his yard, sharing his favorite movie quotes, and strength training.
 

Education

Pace University School of Law, White Plains, New York
Juris Doctor, May 2007

Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey
Master of Arts, Human Resources Training & Development, May 2003

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science, Administration of Justice, May 1996

Activities

Oregon State Bar, Member
Oregon State Bar, Family Law Section, Member
Oregon State Bar, Juvenile Law Section, Member
Oregon Academy of Family Law Practitioners, Member
Multnomah County Bar Association
Washington County Bar Association
Clackamas County Bar Association
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
National Association of Counsel for Children
 

Civic

Youth, Rights & Justice
Board of Directors, 2024 – Present
Oregon CASA Network
Board of Directors, 2022 – Present; Governance Committee, Co-Chairperson, 2023 – Present; Legislative Committee, 2023 – Present, Executive Committee, 2023 – Present
Oregon Department of Justice Children’s Justice Act Task Force, Member, 2022 – Present
Oregon Judicial Department, Juvenile Delinquency Bench Book Advisory Board, March 2023 – Present
Tennessee Court Appointed Special Advocates Association
Board of Directors, 2017 – Present; Vice-President, 2018 – 2020; President, 2020 - 2022
Tennessee Mid-Cumberland Council on Children and Youth, Member, 2021 – 2022
Davis House Child Advocacy Center, Franklin, Tennessee, Pro Bono Attorney, 2017 – 2022
Williamson County CASA, Franklin, Tennessee, Pro Bono Attorney, 2019 – 2022; Advisory Committee, 2021 – 2022