Matthew R. Van Steenkiste, Esq.
Partner
Education- Grand Valley State University B.S.
- Cum Laude
- Wayne State University
- School of Law
J.D.
- School of Law
- State Bar of Michigan
- American Bar Association
- Oakland County Bar Association
- Macomb County Bar Association
- Certified Mediator, Approved by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office
- Belgian American Chamber of Commerce
Matt is a 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 SuperLawyers Rising Star recipient, which recognizes no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the entire State of Michigan. Additionally he has been chosen for the exclusive 2014 National Trial Lawyers, Top 40 under 40, the 2015 Nation’s Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, a 2012 AVVO Client Favorite award recipient, a Michigan’s 10 Best award winner by American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and the 2013 Full Service Law Firm of the Year Corporate INTL. Matt has been one of the Managing Partners of Garmo & Kiste, PLC since 2008 when it was formed. Always in contact with his client, Matt represents every client with the mindset that he would do the same job for them that he would do for his own family, seeking only the best results for his clients.
Unlike many attorneys, Matt offers the personalized attention to each of his clients that they demand, and promises to always make himself available to them. Every day Matt looks forward to doing everything he can to earn your business and make you a client for life. Matt’s primary source of clients is from his own current and past clients and he looks forward to assisting your friends and family as well.
In his very first year as an attorney, Matt made over two hundred in-court appearances throughout the State of Michigan. This is when he began to form what would become an extensive network of colleagues and friends including Attorneys, Prosecutors, and Judges serving in the counties of Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, and Lapeer, the counties in which Garmo & Kiste, PLC regularly work. A graduate of Wayne State University, one of the greatest advantages of hiring Matt is the connections he brings to the process. Admitted to practice in the State and Federal jurisdictions of Michigan, typically Matt will have had a similar case to yours; and will know the prosecutor or City attorney assigned to your case.
Likewise, if your case concerns a credit card or an unpaid debt, there is a good chance Matt may have worked for the debt collector, or may know the attorney your creditor has hired. A certified public mediator and a member of the Macomb, Oakland and American Bar associations Matt has been before every Judge in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, and Lapeer Counties. These relationships and past experiences all help Matt to understand and anticipate a Judge’s reactions to your case, to know how your prosecutor will want to proceed, and to negotiate with your adversaries’ attorney, and to obtain the best deal for his clients in efforts of removing as much uncertainty from the legal process as possible.
“What can I say except thank you to Matt and the team. Spot on with the details, always available when needed. I’d contacted at least 5 other firms with only one call back from any of them, my first call to Garmo &Kiste went right through to Matt and I knew right then I’d picked a winner. Once again my sincerest of thanks and rest assured if I know of anyone needing legal representation Garmo & Kiste will be the ones I’ll recommend!”
- Jon“They said it couldn’t be done. I found Matt over the internet after I spoke with 9 other law firms that said it couldn’t be done. Matt was willing to hear me out and give it a try. He was successful! He took care of things in a timely manner. He was very professional and actually seemed interested in resolving my case, not just trying to make a dollar. I highly recommend him to anyone”.
- David“Incredibly caring and highly informative I contacted Matt this afternoon with some questions in regards to a highly stressful situation between an ex and myself, and a potentially wrongful PPO. He was very kind, did not make me feel at all silly for being upset, shocked or crying, and helped me to feel calm, to understand the steps in front of me, and the reality of the situation. The counsel he gave me over a free phone call, where he sought to not necessarily receive any compensation, was wonderful and I’m incredibly grateful for his prompt response and genuine concern for me and the situation, and his ability to help me diffuse things quickly.”
- Heather“Hard working I have only used the services of a lawyer once prior to finding Matt. My first experience was not a pleasant one. I was in need of a knowledgeable attorney for my very sudden child custody case. I didn’t know where to turn to for help. I researched lawyers online and Garmo &Kiste had many great reviews. The first lawyer’s office I called would not take my case because it was out of the Oakland area, I was so relieved when Matt was so helpful over the phone and answered many questions and was able to set up an appointment right away. My case needed attention very quickly and was very involved. I was very impressed with all the hard work Matt put into my case. I was also unable to make to his office to review documents because of having small children at home, and Matt worked with through emails and was great about getting back to me with all of my questions. Matt was also willing to travel the longer distance on the day of court. I would definitely recommend his office to anyone in need of legal help.”
- Rachel
