Media Release

SPOKANE, WA (Sept. 24, 2026) — The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) today presented Spokane commercial litigator C. “Matt” Andersen with the Local Hero award in recognition of his decades of commitment to the legal profession and the administration of justice, both in the courtroom and beyond it.

"This is one of the last times I'll get to present this award as WSBA President, and I couldn't ask for a better one," said WSBA President Francis Adewale. "Matt Andersen has spent nearly fifty years practicing law, training the next generation of Spokane attorneys, and leading this county's bar association — right here, in the city we both call home."

The Local Hero award is presented to those who have made noteworthy contributions to their communities. President Adewale — whose term concludes this month — presented the award during the Sept. 24 meeting of WSBA's Board of Governors in Spokane, WA. The Spokane County Bar Association (SCBA) nominated Andersen for the award, at the recommendation of SCBA President-Elect Lisa Dickinson.

Andersen joined Winston & Cashatt in 1980 as a litigator, after serving three years as a prosecutor in the United States Army Judge Advocate Corps (JAG). His practice has focused on commercial and business disputes, contract and employment issues, and construction claims, and has taken him before every level of state and federal court in Washington and Idaho, as well as several other states and federal appellate courts. He currently serves the firm as Of Counsel and is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Though he has scaled back his caseload in recent years, Andersen has kept showing up for the profession — mentoring fellow attorneys behind the scenes and helping wherever needed. This year alone, he spent a weekend judging a mock trial practice to help prepare law students and helped rejuvenate the county's civil bench/bar committee. He has also been a tireless advocate, meeting with local judges, bar leaders, and county commissioners — and writing editorial pieces for the community — to urge funding for long-overdue judicial positions.

C. “Matt” Andersen with WSBA President Francis Adewale

"He does all these tasks quietly, without fanfare, and for the good of the profession," said Lisa Dickinson of Dickinson Law Firm, PLLC. "It does not go unnoticed by those doing the work. Matt has and continues to be a local hero in our legal community."

A frequent lecturer on business, banking, and employment issues, Andersen was also a longtime adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, sharing his expertise with the next generation of lawyers.

That same commitment extends well beyond the courtroom into formal leadership roles. He has served the Spokane County Bar Association as treasurer, trustee, and past president, and has been active on its judicial evaluation committees. He also sits on WSBA's Judicial Recommendation Committee, which helps vet candidates for the bench, and is a member of the Idaho State Bar Association. His community involvement includes past board service with the Lands Council, Gonzaga's Commercial Law Center Board of Advisors, and the Women Helping Women Advisory Board.

Andersen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Iowa State University in 1971 and graduated cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law in 1976.