MR

Matthew R. Kachergus, Appellate Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense

Practicing appellate in Jacksonville since 2001.

25+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Are you Matthew R. Kachergus?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Matthew R. Kachergus is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Matthew has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio PA.

Based in
Jacksonville, FLORIDA
Experience
over 25 years
Known for
Appellate · Civil Rights · Criminal Defense
  • Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from Jacksonville, FLORIDA.
  • Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Jacksonville) (2026).

About Matthew R. Kachergus: Matthew R. Kachergus is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Matthew has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio PA.

Areas of practice

Matthew's practice areas in Jacksonville

Matthew concentrates on appellate, civil rights, criminal defense, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Appellate cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Matthew takes appellate matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Matthew takes civil rights matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Matthew takes criminal defense matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Jacksonville, Florida

Matthew takes white collar matters in Jacksonville, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.

Biography

Matthew R. Kachergus, appellate attorney serving Jacksonville

Matthew R. Kachergus is an attorney based in Jacksonville, FLORIDA. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Criminal Defense. Matthew has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio PA. Matthew works from Jacksonville, Florida and takes on appellate matters across the region.

Matthew R. Kachergus has devoted his career to representing a wide array of clients ranging from the criminally accused, those whose constitutional rights have been violated, to numerous others needing counsel for civil litigation. As a result of Mr. Kachergus’ tireless efforts in advocating for the interest of his clients, he is listed in Best Lawyers in America, in the fields of white collar and non-white collar criminal defense law, as well as Super Lawyers. Mr. Kachergus is a member of both the National and Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. Kachergus has also been selected to be a member of the National Trial Lawyers. Membership into this organization is limited to the top one hundred attorneys from each state that practice civil plaintiff or criminal defense law. Additionally, Mr. Kachergus has extensive experience in the area of civil rights law, pursuing claims of those who have had their constitutional rights violated and making substantial recoveries on their behalf.Mr. Kachergus was born in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1971, while his father was a pilot in the United States Navy. Mr. Kachergus and his family subsequently relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he has lived for nearly his entire life. He attended Episcopal High School, graduating in 1989 and attended Emory University, where he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Philosophy.Desiring to be an attorney and follow in the footsteps of his father, Mr. Kachergus worked for the Office of the Public Defender, Fourth Judicial Circuit, in the office’s investigations division before receiving his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 1999. While at law school, Mr. Kachergus received book awards for contracts and international business transactions.Mr. Kachergus primarily litigates criminal and civil rights cases. He has extensive police misconduct experience, including tasers, police dog bites, excessive force and false arrests. He is admitted to the Florida Bar and is a member of the Supreme Court of the United States of America, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and Federal Circuit, the United States District Courts for the Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida. Mr. Kachergus was also a Barrister in the Chester Bedell Inn of Court in 2009 to 2012.

Matthew's approach to appellate cases

Matthew R. Kachergus has devoted his career to representing a wide array of clients ranging from the criminally accused, those whose constitutional rights have been violated, to numerous others needing counsel for civil litigation. As a result of Mr. Kachergus’ tireless efforts in advocating for the interest of his clients, he is listed in Best Lawyers in America, in the fields of white collar…

The kind of cases Matthew takes

Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and criminal defense matters in Jacksonville and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Matthew studied and practices

  • University of Florida

    J.D. · 1999

  • Emory University

    B.A. · 1993

Jurisdictions

Matthew's state bar admissions

  • Florida

    2001 · ACTIVE

Matthew studied at J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in Emory University.

Law school and academic background

Matthew completed J.D. in University of Florida and B.A. in Emory University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Matthew's legal honors and published work

Matthew has received 13 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Jacksonville)

    2026

  • Lawyer of the Year — Civil Rights Law (Jacksonville)

    2025

  • Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — DUI / DWI Defense

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Recipient, Book Awards in Contracts, 1996 - Present

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Voted One of The Best Lawyers in America in the Area of Non-White Collar Criminal Defense

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Jacksonville) (2026). Lawyer of the Year — Civil Rights Law (Jacksonville) (2025). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Civil Rights Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).

Locations

Matthew R. Kachergus's office in Jacksonville

Matthew's primary office is at 215 North Washington Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Sheppard, White, Kachergus, & DeMaggio PA

215 North Washington Street

Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Matthew R. Kachergus

Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Matthew R. Kachergus can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Matthew R. Kachergus — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Jacksonville, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew

Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every appellate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Matthew R. Kachergus

  • How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a appellate case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Matthew offer a free consultation?

    Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.

  • How long do appellate cases in Florida typically take?

    Simple appellate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Jacksonville?

    Matthew is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Matthew accepting new appellate clients right now?

    Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Appellate attorneys serving Jacksonville, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Matthew handles appellate matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Jacksonville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.