Need Family Law or Criminal Law Assistance?  Call Us (717) 635-8780

Need Family Law or Criminal Law Assistance?  Call Us (717) 635-8780

Michael D. Matter

Michael D. Matter

Associate Attorney

Michael is a lifelong south-central Pennsylvania resident and brings nearly twenty-three (23) years of practice experience to Grace Legal Offices, focusing on the areas of family law and criminal defense. Michael is highly skilled in trial advocacy and litigation, with a diverse skill set and broad legal background across various practice areas, making him a valuable asset to the firm. He demonstrates his dedication and unwavering commitment to his clients daily, working tirelessly to protect every client’s rights and helping his clients seek the justice they deserve. Michael’s litigation experience and superior communication skills, coupled with his personal experiences and ability to empathize with clients, empower his clients to feel confident and safe during their most vulnerable moments.

Michael earned his Juris Doctorate from the Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law in 1999 and has been practicing since 2000. Michael thrives on helping his clients resolve their legal issues, no matter how complex or challenging they may be. His legal background includes criminal defense, labor and employment, civil rights, municipal law, land use and zoning, landlord-tenant, workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation, child support and custody, divorce, child dependency, personal injury, and insurance defense litigation. 

Michael began his career practicing as an Assistant Public Defender in Dauphin County until transitioning to private practice in 2002. He has been in private practice for the last twenty years.

He primarily focuses his practice on family law (divorce, custody, support, Protection From Abuse), child dependency (CYS proceedings), and criminal defense. Michael is known to develop creative litigation strategies to minimize and mitigate client liability/exposure to reach favorable outcomes and solutions for his clients. He defends his clients with a remarkable courtroom presence, allowing them to feel comfortable during their most challenging times. 

Michael enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends, spending time in the mountains or at the beach, playing golf, and hunting.

Education
Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law, 1999
ADMITTED TO PRACTICE
Pennsylvania Supreme Court United States District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit United States Supreme Court
Past Appointed Positions
Criminal Justice Act, (CJA) Conflict Panel Attorney CYS Parent Counsel; Guardian Ad Litem (backup) Criminal Conflict Attorney PCRA Appellate Counsel

Advocating for families.
Standing in defense of the prosecuted.