Mathew Work – Reno Criminal Lawyer

Attorney Mathew Work is a Nevada trial lawyer, legal scholar, and community leader based in Reno, Nevada. As the founding partner of Carlson & Work, he built the law firm on a mission to make legal services more approachable, responsive, and effective for clients facing life-altering legal challenges.

Legal Experience Built on Results for Divorce & Custody, Criminal Defense and Personal Injury

Attorney Work’s career spans high-stakes litigation and public service. After serving as a criminal prosecutor for the City of Reno, where he litigated numerous cases to verdict, he launched his own firm and quickly earned a reputation for tough courtroom advocacy and client-focused legal services.

Carlson & Work has grown into a skilled team of trial attorneys who defend the rights of Nevadans seeking representation for their family law and child custody cases. We provide strategies you need for successful case outcomes. We handle complex divorce and custody cases, injury and accident-related cases, and defense representation for Nevada families.

Attorney Work has been recognized for his legal excellence by multiple national legal organizations, including:

• Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers (2017–2021)
  • Family Law distinction in 2019
  • Criminal Law distinction in 2019
• Top 10 Trial Attorney by the Nevada Trial Lawyers Association (2019, 2020)
• Nevada Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Registry Inc. (2020)
• National Top 10 Trial Attorney by the American Institute of Attorneys
• Top 100 Nationally by the American College of Trial Lawyer
• Perfect 10 distinction by AVVO
• Top 40 Under 40 by the American Academy of Attorneys
• Rising Star by the American Institute of Legal Advocates (2018)

His deep knowledge of litigation strategy and trial advocacy continues to drive major wins for his clients in Reno and throughout Nevada.

Education and Background

Raised in Henderson, Nevada, Attorney Work comes from a working-class background. He was raised by his single mother and grandparents — an upbringing that shaped his work ethic, resilience, and drive to fight for others.

• University of Nevada, Reno — B.A. in Economics, summa cum laude
  (Also a student-athlete in lacrosse and football)
• Thomas Jefferson School of Law — J.D., magna cum laude
  • Full academic scholarship
  • Recipient of the Jefferson, Wilkins, and Cali Awards
  • Teaching Assistant and Dean’s List honoree

After passing the Nevada Bar Exam on his first attempt, Attorney Mathew launched into trial work as a city prosecutor. Before focusing exclusively on civil litigation, he served as outside General Counsel to PSR, the nation’s largest NFL agency. In this role, he negotiated contracts for elite NFL coaches, executives, and personnel — giving him a rare edge in complex negotiations, dispute resolution, and high-pressure legal strategy — a foundation that still powers his success in litigation today.

Local Leadership and Community Commitment

Mathew Work, Esq. currently serves as:

• President of the Reno Charter Committee, representing Mayor Hillary Schieve
• A board member of Montreux, Axiom Group LLP, and Nevada Moot Court

He also shares his knowledge as a professor of law and advisor to political leadership throughout Nevada.

Life Beyond the Courtroom

Attorney Work is a devoted husband to Kalie Work, a respected elected official in Washoe County, and a proud father to their daughter, Kennedy. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Nevada’s outdoors, mentoring law students, and investing in causes that improve access to justice across Northern Nevada.

Results matter. Call us today for a consultation.

If you need legal respresentation, Reno lawyer Mathew Work is ready to help you pursue justice and recover financially. He brings unmatched dedication and commitment to every case. Rest assured, when you consult with Attorney Mathew Work, he will listen and advise on your case, setting you up for success each step of the way.