Attorneys
Matthew S. Sweeting
Matt Sweeting began his law practice in 1987 when first admitted to the Washington State Bar. Prior to practicing law he worked as a claims adjuster for a large insurance company and a claims consultant for a large insurance brokerage, with most of his time spent working on Longshore and Maritime claims. He also worked as a paralegal working on claimant’s Longshore claims for an attorney in Tacoma Washington. While finishing his undergraduate college education at Washington State University he worked as an investigator for a Portland, Oregon law firm that defended maritime personal injury lawsuits brough against ship owners. He worked full time while attending law school at the University of Puget Sound School of Law.
Since opening his practice in 1987, Matt has handled cases at all court levels in Washington, including arguing at the Washington State Supreme Court. He is also admitted to practice and has done so in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington.
Matt is on the Board of Directors for WILG, a national worker’s compensation association for attorney’s that represent injured workers. His current practice includes representing Longshore and Shipyard workers under the Longshore Act, Maritime personal injury cases, and other personal injury cases.
In his spare time Matt enjoys spending time with his son and daughter and three grandsons, and boating, fishing, and travelling.
Jeffrey L. Rhodes
Before moving to Tacoma to form Sweeting Rhodes, Jeff worked for the ILWU-PMA Welfare Plan recovering paid benefits under the Longshore & Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, ERISA, and the laws of Washington, Oregon, and California. While at the Welfare Plan, he graduated cum laude from the University of San Francisco School of Law as an evening student on a scholarship. At USF, he served as a senior editor of the USF Maritime Law Journal and was honored as a Peggy Browning Fellow for his interest and experience in employee advocacy. Jeff also clerked at Neyhart, Anderson, Flynn & Grosboll, a San Francisco law firm representing labor organizations and injured workers. He is licensed to practice law in both Washington and California.
Staff
Nancy Shimomura
Nancy has worked with Matthew Sweeting for over twenty years as a receptionist, legal assistant, and paralegal. She enjoys helping clients receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.
Nancy has been married for 41 years to her wonderful husband. They have a Great Dane, three children, and three grandchildren. When not working, Nancy enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, walking her dog, sewing, and quilting.
Amy Elliott
Amy has worked as a paralegal for fifteen years, with seven of those years at the Law Office of Matthew S. Sweeting. She has a passion for law, justice, and the underdog. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington, a Paralegal Certificate from Pierce College, and is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at Seattle University School of Law. As a paralegal, Amy has worked for multiple attorneys serving different areas of law such as longshore, criminal defense, prosecution, family law, personal injury, and bankruptcy. When not working, Amy enjoys spending time with her family and dogs; hiking, camping, and relaxing at the coast.