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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
I am an experienced and dedicated attorney with a demonstrated history of working in family law, juvenile law, and child welfare law. My career has been driven by a passion for helping others, a value I developed during my time as a police officer and public defense attorney. With a Doctor of Law (JD), Master of Arts (MA), and a Bachelor of Science (BS), I combine a strong legal foundation with hands-on experience to guide, educate, and advocate for my clients.
 
Since 2008, I have specialized in family law with an emphasis on juvenile law, practicing first in Tennessee and now in Oregon. Over the years, I have represented children and parents in child welfare cases and presented on topics such as child abuse and neglect. I also have extensive experience navigating the challenges of working with the Oregon Department of Human Services, ensuring my clients receive compassionate, personalized, and tenacious representation.
 
I tailor my approach to each client’s unique needs, whether as a zealous advocate in the courtroom or a collaborative problem-solver seeking resolution. I understand the complexities of family and juvenile law and am committed to providing customized legal advice with respect and compassion. Whether crafting parenting time agreements or handling complex custody disputes, I am dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for my clients and their families.
 
When I’m not in the courtroom, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, exploring Oregon’s natural beauty, discovering new bourbons and coffee blends, working in my yard, quoting my favorite movies, and staying active through 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