Matthew James Conner

1310 10th Street, Bellingham, WA

star star star star star
5.0 / 5
Avvo
5.0
info
Avvo rating
1 Reviews
Google Maps
5.0
info
Google reviews rating
3 Reviews
Data reflects the status as of the latest update. Updates are typically done monthly.

License

License ID number: -

Licensed in: -

Year admitted: -

Last reviews

Overall rating
star
star star star star star
5.0 4 reviews
Avvo 5.0
Google Maps 5.0

Jason keniston

star star star star star
09 Aug, 2024
Paula and her legal office were kind, caring, compassionate, and expediate with their communication. Their advice and wisdom led to a succesful settlement and outcome of my vechicle accident situation. I can't say enough about how great their professionalism was. It is becasue of their time my matter was resolved. I recommend to all in need.
Read more Google Maps

Keith e

star star star star star
10 Aug, 2023
In the summer of 2019, I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle. Fortunately, I do not remember the accident. The EMT’s put me into an induced coma at the scene of the accident and after a few days in the hospital I was brought out of the coma. After waking up, all I wanted to do was to get out of the hospital and back to work in a business I had just started. I felt that the aches and pains were just a distraction from the dedication I needed to make the business successful. My punctured lung, broken ribs, broken other bones, smashed in face, missing teeth, my body numb from the hips down, and a severe head injury with a hematoma could just be ignored. Maybe I was not thinking straight! My wife suggested that we should sit down with an attorney regarding the accident, and I reluctantly took a meeting with Paula McCandliss from Brett Law. I wasn’t keen on lawyers, and I did not put much effort into the meeting. My thoughts were that I’d quickly get over my bumps and bruises and Paula would be wasting her time with my case. Well, I was not thinking straight, and thank goodness for Paula putting up with my callousness. The physicians and hospital staff did a respectable job putting me back together, but it’s hard for them to determine the extent of the injuries, and of course the medical profession cannot get you back to 100%. After my discharge It took time for me and my primary physician et. al. to determine my ongoing care and what medical problems would be permanent. Let me say this- I was fortunate to have met Paula and her team at Brett Law. They were always personal, professional, and caring, and not to mention they worked tirelessly on my case. It was ‘my bad’ to assume that they were just a firm chasing an ambulance. To my ignorance, I didn’t perceive the onslaught of hospital and specialty physician invoices, the art of dealing with medical and auto insurance companies along with collection agencies on invoices that were never presented to me. Paula helped us get through all these unforeseen hurdles with kindness, legal insight, and experience. She is a great coach to lead you through the myriad of difficulties you may face after a painful accident, and I highly recommend her. You will appreciate both her legal skill and warm personality.
Read more Google Maps

David deyoung

star star star star star
29 Apr, 2021
Paula is an excellent attorney. Have only heard good things about her work.
Read more Google Maps

Best lawyers in Bellingham, WA

See more
star star star star star
26 Aug, 2016 by David moody
Hugh Lewis is by far the premier Condominium Attorney in Whatcom and Skagit County. He is also a astute Land use Attorney, besides being a A#1 Character and has a great sense of humor.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
03 Feb, 2021 by Francisco compean
Very helpful, fast service. Even after my case was complete, they still helped with any and all questions.
Read more Google Maps
See more
star star star star star
24 Nov, 2013 by Christy
Peggy Underbrink is an attorney who is knowledgable about the law ands the process that it follows. She is a kind person who stands up for her clients rights without backing down from the other side. She is probably the best attorney that I have ever had to hire.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
08 Nov, 2013 by Anonymous
After being terminated while on Maternity leave for my first child Peggy looked at my case and was very thorough in explaining everything I could anticipate with my case...good and the bad. She did an amazing job and jumped multiple hoops for almost 5 years to help me settle my case. My former employers attorney was so unprofessional and Peggy fought every moment. Every unlikely situation that happen in the case did but she did her best in standing up for me. I appreciate her hard work and always trying to keep her costs under control during the financially and emotionally tough times! I would highly recommend Ms. Underbrink.
Read more Avvo
star star star star star
06 Nov, 2013 by Sharon
Ms Underbrink represented me in an employment issue including resolving issues with an employer and helping to make my life a little less stressful while working. She was available by phone, email, or texting at all times. She was always on top of issues and kept me well informed of all aspects of my case. I would highly recommend her! She is very professional and it was a pleasure working with her!
Read more Avvo
See more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers

What Questions Should I Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer?

Hiring the right lawyer is crucial for the success of your case. Here are some important questions to ask during your initial consultation:

  1. What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
    Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case.
  2. How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
    Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses.
  3. Who will be handling my case?
    Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals.
  4. What is your approach to resolving cases like mine?
    Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
  5. What potential outcomes can I expect?
    While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience.
  6. How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
    Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times.
  7. What is the expected timeline for my case?
    Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish.
  8. Do you have references from past clients?
    Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness.
  9. What challenges do you foresee in my case?
    Understanding potential obstacles helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations.
  10. Are there alternative ways to resolve my legal issue?
    Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.

Can a Lawyer Represent Me in Courts Outside of Bellingham, Washington?

Whether a lawyer can represent you in courts outside of your city or state depends on their licensure and the jurisdiction of the court:

  • Within the Same State:
    Lawyers licensed in a particular state can typically practice anywhere within that state, including all cities and counties. They can represent you in both state and federal courts located in that state.
  • Outside of Their Licensed State:
    If your case is in a different state, the lawyer must be licensed in that state to represent you. However, there are exceptions:
    • Pro Hac Vice Admission: An out-of-state lawyer can request special permission to represent a client in a specific case in another state. This requires filing a motion with the court and often working in conjunction with a local attorney.
    • Federal Courts: If your case is in federal court, a lawyer licensed in any state may be able to represent you, provided they are admitted to practice in that particular federal court.
  • International Representation:
    For cases outside the United States, different rules apply, and the lawyer may need to comply with the foreign country's legal requirements or collaborate with local counsel.

It's important to discuss your specific situation with the lawyer to determine if they can represent you in the desired jurisdiction and what steps may be necessary to do so.

How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer

Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:

  • Verify Their License:
    Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Most state bar websites have an online directory for this purpose.
  • Experience and Specialization:
    Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. Review their website, professional profiles, and case history.
  • Disciplinary Record:
    Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association's records.
  • Client Reviews and Testimonials:
    Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Google, or Yelp to gauge client satisfaction and experiences.
  • Professional Memberships:
    Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field and adherence to high ethical standards.
  • Awards and Recognitions:
    Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation in the legal community.
  • Consultation Assessment:
    Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns.
  • Ask for References:
    A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their abilities and professionalism.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:

  • Relevant Documents:
    Bring all documents related to your case, such as:
    • Contracts or agreements
    • Correspondence (emails, letters, texts)
    • Legal notices or court papers
    • Financial records (if applicable)
    • Evidence (photos, videos, receipts)
  • Written Summary:
    Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and parties involved. This helps the lawyer quickly understand the context.
  • List of Questions:
    Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, fees, or the lawyer's experience.
  • Financial Information:
    If your case involves financial matters, bring relevant documents like pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or invoices.
  • Contact Information:
    Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case, including their names and contact information.
  • Personal Identification:
    Bring a valid photo ID for verification purposes.
  • Pen and Notebook:
    Take notes during the consultation to remember important points discussed.
  • Budget Constraints:
    Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations so the lawyer can provide appropriate guidance on fees and payment options.
  • Openness and Honesty:
    Be prepared to discuss your case candidly. Full disclosure allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and anticipate potential challenges.
Scroll to top