Matthew McGowan

Matthew McGowan is a Rhode Island attorney who focuses on receivership, bankruptcy, insolvency, and corporate and commercial law. He represents parties in insolvency proceedings, business transactions, disputes, and litigation. He also advises banks and credit unions on insolvency matters and compliance with state and federal laws. His practice combines transactional counseling with courtroom advocacy, helping clients address financial distress, regulatory obligations, and complex commercial problems through practical legal strategies.

Matthew earned his B.S. in Business from the University of Rhode Island and his J.D. from Catholic University of America School of Law. His business and legal education supports his work involving financial transactions, distressed companies, creditor issues, and commercial disputes. He applies that background when evaluating business structures, insolvency risks, compliance questions, and litigation strategy, giving clients guidance grounded in both legal analysis and commercial realities throughout financial matters.

Matthew has served as a court-appointed receiver, trustee, and master in substantial matters, including the Centre of New England receivership proceedings. He also represented more than 100 police and firefighter pensioners in the Chapter 9 municipal bankruptcy of Central Falls, Rhode Island. Earlier, he worked with the United States Department of Justice in the US Trustee’s office in Boston, gaining significant experience with federal bankruptcy administration and insolvency proceedings directly.

Matthew McGowan is admitted in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and has appeared before bankruptcy courts, six US Courts of Appeals, the US Supreme Court, and the Rhode Island Supreme Court. He has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer rating for more than 25 years and recognition from Super Lawyers. He is also a published author, seminar speaker, and former bankruptcy law instructor, reflecting sustained leadership in bankruptcy, insolvency, and commercial law practice.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Sylvia & Kishfy, LLC
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Board Member, Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts

Education

• Catholic University of America School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Rhode Island
  BS in Business

Awards & Badges