Bio

Representing closely held and family-owned businesses with corporate and transactional needs, Matthew Johnson forms strong relationships with clients to better further their objectives. Matt provides sound, useable advice on a spectrum of subjects, from long-term planning to simple day-to-day operational issues and agreements to sales or purchases of businesses. As an experienced general counsel and a skilled decision-maker with a deep well of knowledge in both the legal and business arenas, Matt is an excellent resource for clients making critical and potentially dramatic changes to their organizations. He’s always happy to weigh in on key issues to impart his unique perspective. Matt believes that good lawyers do more than simply point out potential dangers of transactions — they add value for their clients by finding an astute balance between defensive actions and growth strategies. As a former chief operations officer for a major medical group, he understands that legal issues don’t occur in a vacuum and works closely with clients to create plans that best serve their circumstances and aspirations. Drawing on that experience, Matt not only helps resolve matters externally, but internally as well. Firm attorneys often come to him for help with particularly tricky or unusual issues that arise. With a client base that includes emerging-growth companies and investors who support the entrepreneurial community, Matt has found that his positive, creative approach helps set these organizations on a course towards success. He guides them on a wide range of matters, including private securities offerings, formation and capital raising, and protection of investors’ rights. Matt also helps nonprofits fulfill their mission through organizational planning and governance issues. He currently serves as the chair of the firm's Business and Corporate Services practice group and the co-chair of the firm’s Cannabis group. In recent years Matt has handled a growing number of matters related to generational transfers of businesses as Baby Boomer managers and owners retire and step down from company leadership positions. Beyond advising clients looking to start or expand businesses, projects, and ventures, or to weather leadership transitions successfully, Matt also lends his expertise to organizations struggling with issues in the wake of major events such as economic downturns, natural disasters and global crises like COVID-19. In fact, Matt coordinated the firm’s united client-facing response to the pandemic. In addition to his substantial lawyer duties, Matt, a second-generation first responder, has worked for three decades as an on-call firefighter for a volunteer department. His years of experience only enhance his ability to remain cool and focused in any emergency — whether in the medical, fire, legal or business realms. Matt is also passionate about helping a variety of charitable and nonprofit organizations, both as an attorney working on their governance issues or as a board member participating in his off hours. Among the groups he supports are Hunt 2 Heal and Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding.