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Desktop Image: Diggs, Matthew
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Matthew D. Diggs

Partner

T 206.757.8175 Seattle
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Matthew (Matt) Diggs is a former federal prosecutor with more than 20 years of criminal and civil regulatory experience—from investigation through jury trial. He leverages that experience and his deep knowledge of various substantive legal areas to assist clients with challenging white-collar cases and investigations.

As an assistant United States attorney for the Western District of Washington, Matt played a leading role in many of that office's largest and most high-profile white-collar investigations and prosecutions during his tenure. He served as a senior member of the Complex Crimes Unit, with a particular focus on healthcare fraud, environmental crimes, investment fraud, and tax prosecutions, trying 11 cases to verdict and resolving an equal number on the eve of trial. Matt's experience conducting and overseeing coordinated investigations among law enforcement agencies in multiple districts and overseas gives him an exceptional ability to support clients in complex, high-stakes matters.

Given his background handling a wide variety of white-collar cases, Matt works with clients in many industries, including the healthcare, media, and technology industries. His experience and sound judgment provide great value to clients facing the challenge of responding to a government investigation, conducting an internal investigation, or successfully handling a complex litigation matter. As an experienced trial lawyer who has tried cases in federal court and argued before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, Matt regularly handles litigation matters from inception, through trial, and appeal.

Matt represents many clients in criminal and civil healthcare fraud matters. As a former Health Care Fraud Coordinator for the Western District of Washington, Matt uses his experience directing multi-agency fraud investigations to effectively defend against False Claims Act investigations and other government enforcement actions.

After law school, Matt clerked for the Honorable Anthony J. Scirica on the Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Matt spent several years in private practice. He was a first team NCAA Division III Soccer All-American and continues to coach.

Practice Highlights

Significant experience with government investigations

Understands the complexities of dealing with federal and state regulators based on more than a dozen years as an assistant United States attorney.

Seasoned trial lawyer

Significant experience trying cases, including serving as first-chair counsel in more than 10 federal jury trials.

Healthcare fraud experience

Handled investigations in broad range of healthcare fraud cases involving laboratories, durable medical equipment, skilled nursing facilities, opioid drugs, compounded drugs, COVID-19 fraud schemes, and more.

Government Investigations and Complex Litigation

Criminal investigations

Representing individuals and entities in criminal investigations conducted by DOJ, FBI, IRS, EPA, HHS-OIG and other law enforcement agencies. (Ongoing)

Parallel criminal and civil resolution

Successfully resolved criminal and civil investigation through settlement of civil False Claims Act allegations and deferred prosecution agreement for corporate healthcare client. (April 2023)

Declination of criminal charges

Obtained declination of criminal charges for Alaskan Native Corporation Client related to Clean Air Act investigation.

Internal investigation for healthcare provider

Conducted Internal investigation of Healthcare Provider, regarding allegations of bribery and kickbacks paid to contractors.

Responding to civil investigative demands

Representation of individuals and entities across a variety of industries in responding to civil investigative demands issued by state and federal authorities.
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Federal Prosecutor Experience

United States v. Gibb*

Prosecuted Redmond-based investment advisor for securities fraud in parallel investigation with the SEC. (W.D. Wash. 2019)

United States v. Hoon Namkoong*

Prosecuted owner of seafood processing company for violation of the Lacey Act in connection with illegal harvest of approximately $1.5 million of sea cucumbers from Washington-state waters. (W.D. Wash. 2018)

United States v. Angelakos (Hellas) S.A., et al.*

Prosecuted a multi-defendant trial against shipping companies and engineers for discharging oil into the Pacific Ocean. (W.D. Wash. 2016)

United States v. Hazelrigg*

Prosecuted tax evasion trial against hard-money lender for evading more than a million dollars in back taxes. (W.D. Wash. 2015)

United States v. Phillips*

Prosecuted technology company CEO for fraud and money laundering charges. (W.D. Wash. 2011)
*Denotes an attorney's experience prior to joining Davis Wright Tremaine
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Admitted to Practice

  • Washington, 2005

Education

  • J.D., University of Pennsylvania Law School, 2003, magna cum laude
    • Order of the Coif
    • Senior Editor, University of Pennsylvania Law Review
    • National Moot Court Team
    • James Wilson Merit Scholarship
  • B.A., American Studies, Amherst College, 1999, magna cum laude
    • Doshisha Prize for top thesis in American Studies
    • First Team, NCAA Div. III, Soccer All American; Final Four Team 1997

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Board Member, Center for Children and Youth Justice (CCYJ)
    • William L. Dwyer, American Inn of Court
    • King County Bar Association
    • Youth Law Day Volunteer, Federal Bar Association
    • Moot Court Judge, University of Washington Law School
    • Coach, West Seattle Soccer Club, 2016-2022

Professional Recognition

    • Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations (Washington), 2024-2025
    • Named as one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2024-present; in Commercial Litigation, 2025-present; in Litigation - Health Care, 2025-present
    • Received FDA-OCI Appreciation Award (for U.S. v. Richard Marschall), 2017
    • Received IRS-CID Award of Excellence (for U.S. v. Hazelrigg), 2015
    • Received EPA-CID Bronze Medal for Commendable Service (for U.S. v. Stowe Construction), 2013

Background

    • Assistant United States Attorney, Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Washington, Seattle, 2007-2020
    • Litigation Associate, Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, 2004-2007
    • Judicial Law Clerk, Hon. Anthony J. Scirica, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit, Philadelphia, 2003-2004
    • Summer Associate, Heller Ehrman LLP, San Francisco, 2003
    • Summer Associate, Perkins Coie LLP, Seattle, 2002
    • Legal Intern, California Indian Legal Services, Escondido, Calif., 2001
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Publications
06.06.25
News
Chambers USA Affirms Davis Wright Tremaine's Growing National Leadership in Key Industry Sectors Read More
dollars and stethoscope
02.25.25
Insights
Healthcare
In Key Ruling, 1st Circuit Adopts "But-For" Causation Standard for FCA Claims Arising From Unlawful Kickbacks Read More
09.12.24
Presentations
Speaker, "Updates in FCA Enforcement Actions: A Discussion with the Regulators," PNW Healthcare Regulatory & Compliance Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle
Publications
06.10.24
News
New Chambers Rankings Affirm Davis Wright Tremaine's National Leadership in Key Industry Sectors Read More
Publications
01.02.24
Publications
Co-author, "4 Ways The DOJ Is Changing Its Approach To Insider Trading," Law360 Read More
Publications
08.17.23
News
2024 Edition of Best Lawyers Recognizes More Than 175 Davis Wright Tremaine Attorneys for Excellence Read More
Webinar
03.24.22
Webinars
Healthcare
Co-presenter, "Government Investigations of Health Care Providers," Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More
courthouse with blue sky
11.01.21
Advisories
White Collar, Investigations & Government Controversies
DOJ Announces Tougher Stance on Corporate Criminal Enforcement Read More
Webinar
03.18.21
Webinars
Healthcare
"Government Investigations of Healthcare Providers and Entities," 2021 DWT Healthcare Regulatory and Compliance Seminar - A Virtual Series, Davis Wright Tremaine Webinar Read More
Publications
August 2020
Publications
Healthcare
"The Underbelly of the CARES Act: Certifications and False Claims Act Risks," Pratt's Government Contracting Law Report, Read More
07.16.20
News
Quoted in "HHS Taking Aim at SARS-CoV-2 Testing Fraud," 360Dx
Publications
06.23.20
Publications
Healthcare
Co-author, "Be Mindful of Strict Referral Laws," For the Record Read More External Link
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