Since 1998, Matt has concentrated his law practice representing families and closely-held businesses in the areas of commercial real estate, corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions and estate planning and administration. Matt has extensive experience in structuring, negotiating and drafting commercial leases, loan transactions and commercial real estate acquisitions and tax-deferred exchanges. In a cradle-to-grave approach, Matt further advises clients everywhere from entity formations to the sale of businesses. Matt has drafted and negotiated numerous types of contracts for his business clients, such as internal owner and key-employee governing documents, operating agreements, shareholder agreements, supplier and vendor contracts, business to business contracts and independent contractor agreements.

Matt sees one of his primary roles as being a “general counsel” to his clients and enjoys forming deep, lasting relationships. He uses his expertise and experience to proactively identify issues and enjoys shepherding his client as they jointly navigate and solve the legal issues at hand. Matt aims to be responsive and available to his clients and recognizes that the issues presented to him by his clients are important and worthy of full attention.

Matt is a Raleigh native and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Engineering (with distinction). Matt graduated from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1998, where he was a member of Wake Forest Law Review. After law school, Matt joined and was an equity shareholder in the law firm of Pinna, Johnston & Burwell, PA.

Matt has been recognized by his peers as a leader in his field, having been selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers and as one of North Carolina’s Legal Elite in Business North Carolina.

Matt is married with two children and enjoys travel, back country hiking and camping and other outdoor activities. Matt has been and remains active in the community serving in his Church and as a member of the Board of Directors of various local non-profit organizations.