Matthew Chivari

Matthew Allen Chivari, Esq., is a lifelong resident of Northern Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, a Master of Education degree from National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from DePaul University, College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. While at DePaul, Mr. Chivari was a member of DePaul's National Trial Team, received a Certificate in Criminal Law, and received CALI Excellence for the Future Awards in numerous law school courses, including Prosecuting & Defending Criminal Cases, Negotiations, and Juvenile Justice.

Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Chivari has dedicated his practice solely to criminal defense. He began the practice of law by establishing his own criminal defense firm in Chicago's Loop, handling mostly state criminal matters, at the trial and appellate court levels. After joining Leonard Trial Lawyers, Mr. Chivari has expanded his practice, now focusing primarily on federal criminal matters in jurisdictions throughout the country.

Mr. Chivari also maintains a commitment to pro bono and mentoring activities. He has argued before the Illinois appellate courts as part of the Illinois Supreme Court's Volunteer Pro Bono Program for Criminal Appeals. Mr. Chivari also worked with Chicago youth who have been impacted by the criminal justice system as a mentor with the Juvenile Justice Mentoring Initiative.