February 16, 2024
Matthew Segal Rejoins Pacifica Law Group
One of Pacifica’s founding partners, Segal returns after serving the State of Washington as a superior court judge.
SEATTLE, WA— Pacifica Law Group is pleased to announce that Matthew J. Segal has rejoined the firm as a partner in our Public Law and Finance practice group. One of Pacifica’s founding partners, Matt returns after serving as a King County Superior Court judge since 2021.
“We are delighted to welcome Matt back to Pacifica,” said Managing Partner Denise Stiffarm. “Matt is an excellent attorney and valued colleague who helped build our firm and define its mission and values. We are proud of his judicial service, and know that the experience and perspective he gained will benefit our clients, the firm, and all of us who work with him.”
As a judge, Matt presided over a wide range of jury and bench trials including criminal, civil, and family law. Trials encompassed commercial disputes, insurance, trusts and estates, real property, employment, personal injury and wrongful death, and professional malpractice. Matt was also responsible for an extensive ongoing civil docket, and assignments including criminal motions and post-conviction proceedings, ex parte, plea court, anti-harassment calendars, and appeals from administrative bodies or courts of limited jurisdiction.
Matt’s return will enhance Pacifica’s substantial public law capabilities, which include representing and advising municipalities and public entities in areas such as finance and tax law; constitutional and statutory law; dispute resolution and litigation; open public meetings and public records policy and disclosure; and legislative proposals, policy guidance, and operational matters.
Before taking the bench, Matt spent more than 20 years representing public and private clients in a range of municipal law matters, as well as handling complex appeals and litigation in areas including taxing authority, initiatives and referenda, public transit, health care, insurance, contracts and commercial disputes. Matt has also represented parties in international disputes including in the UK, Canada, and the South Pacific.
His practice will continue to emphasize advising and representing public and private clients in areas of public law and government, dispute prevention and resolution, ethics, and appeals, as well as serving as a trial and appellate consultant, neutral, and special master.
Matt obtained his law degree from Seattle University School of Law, summa cum laude, where he has also served as an adjunct professor. Before becoming a lawyer, Matt was a journalist for print, radio and television. Matt has served on multiple non-profit boards including the Seattle Opera and ACLU of Washington, and remains a member of the Opera’s advisory board.
