Matt advises corporations, nonprofit organizations, candidates for public office, donors, and public figures who engage in issue advocacy and political activity. He helps clients navigate and comply with lobbying laws, pay-to-play regulations, ethics rules, and political activity disclosure requirements. As counsel to both new and established nonprofits and political committees, Matt guides organizations on formation, governance, operations, consultant agreements, and regulatory compliance programs. 

Matt has wide-ranging political law experience, including extensive experience with presidential campaigns. He has served as general counsel to a presidential campaign and as counsel to the selection and nomination of a vice presidential candidate. Additionally, Matt has counseled numerous governors and members of Congress on a comprehensive portfolio of election law issues, campaign finance matters, ethics requirements, financial disclosures, ballot access filings, and vetting processes. 

He regularly advises newly elected officials and their transition organizations, bringing into play his experience ranging from local mayoral committees to serving on the board of directors of a presidential transition.

Prior to rejoining Barnes & Thornburg, Matt served in the White House as the chief counsel and deputy chief of staff to the Vice President of the United States. In his role as a senior official, he provided legal advice on constitutional questions, congressional and other investigations, and national security affairs. He also served as a designated ethics official and administered the office’s compliance programs.