Matthew Benedict

Agnostic, Brainstormer, Concerned citizen, Explorer, Musician, Public servant

I grew up in Central Washington State along the Columbia River Gorge. After graduating high school, I lived outside of Spokane, WA where I attended Eastern Washington University while studying exercise science. I've now lived in Portland, OR since 2012 and love living in the Pacific Northwest. I surf during the summer months and hike all year round. Its an amazing way to get exercise and see the beautiful outdoors. I also ride my bicycle regardless of the rain! It wasn't until college that I developed a love for soccer. I follow my home club Seattle Sounders (2X MLS Cup Champs!) and Liverpool overseas. The pandemic offered me the opportunity to complete my undergraduate degree at Portland State University and prepare for law school. I'll be a part of the class of 2027 at Willamette University's College of Law and will enter the workforce practicing criminal law as a public defender!! I represented indigent clients as a legal assistant at Metropolitan Public Defender, a non-profit law firm that represents clients charged with felonies and misdemeanors in Washington and Multnomah counties, with divisions of juvenile, immigration, and capital defense teams. I am now a law student at Willamette University College of Law earning my JD to represent indigent clients as a public defender.

The legal defense of indigent clients.

I first attended TedX PDX 2016 and loved the whole experience. I remember maybe 6 years ago when I watched a ted talk online; Bobby McFerrin "Watch me play...the audience." Fascinating topic, relatable presentation, and I felt like I not only learned about psychology, but the talk ignited a few thoughts on the psychology of music that I still think about today. I love watching TED talks and love finding that inspirational new topic or new perspectives.

Piano. I've been playing piano since starting lessons about 20 years ago. Started classically trained but I found my passion in jazz.