Matthew Swihart teaches Lawyering Process, Civil Procedure, and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Prior to joining the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law, Matthew Swihart was an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator with extensive litigation and appellate experience. He represented both plaintiffs and defendants at trial and on appeal in both state and federal courts, and served as a neutral mediator for civil cases. Matthew also served as an Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Matthew is licensed in Florida as an attorney and Circuit Civil Mediator, and was also licensed in Colorado and Oregon. He served as a Circuit Court Arbitrator for Multnomah and Washington Counties in Oregon, where he adjudicated civil cases with amounts in controversy up to $50,000. Matthew has also worked as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Legal Research and Writing.

Prior to becoming an attorney, Matthew spent a decade working as a Mental Health Counselor. This background served Matthew well in negotiations, dealing with difficult parties, and in front of juries.

Matthew received his JD from Stetson University College of Law, his MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College, and his BA in English from the University of South Florida.

In his free time, Matthew is an avid guitar player, martial artist, and writer. He was the Editor-in-Chief of two literary journals, The Pitkin Review and The Timberline Review. His publications include, “Christianity Simplified: The Basics of the Christian Faith for New Believers and Curious Nonbelievers.”