Matthew S. Hagarty

A rising young leader in the Philadelphia criminal defense community, Matt is an accomplished advocate for individuals—both adults and juveniles—facing criminal charges, DUI/DWI and traffic violations, and related matters in courts throughout the metropolitan area, including southern New Jersey.

Described by a recent client as “passionate, intelligent, and articulate,” Matt’s approach centers on rapid action, clear communication, and respect for those facing difficult circumstances. In practice for more than 10 years—including early experience in the major trials division at the highly regarded Defender Association of Philadelphia—he has prevailed on behalf of clients in multiple jury trials and hundreds of bench trials across Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties.

Matt also handles expungements, pardons, appeals, violation of probation/parole hearings, and represents clients in select business litigation. Regardless of the specifics of the case, he prides himself on being highly accessible to clients and involved family members. He maintains offices in Center City Philadelphia and Norristown for his clients’ convenience. Between near-daily court appearances—in magisterial, district, traffic and municipal courts, as well as Courts of Common Pleas—Matt meets with clients in-person regularly and makes time to respond promptly to inquiries and provide critical updates.

He serves as vice chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Criminal Justice section, is an active member of three bar associations, and volunteers regularly for Philadelphia VIP, which provides pro bono assistance to indigent clients. In addition to his prior role with the Defender Association, Matt’s background includes commercial litigation and labor and employment law for two Philadelphia area firms. Matt grew up in the Philadelphia area and lives in Montgomery County with his wife and two children.