A native of Northern Virginia, Matt assists property owners and developers in zoning, subdivision, eminent domain, and other land use disputes in state and federal courts in Virginia, as well as domestic arbitrations. He also represents lenders, developers, and property owners in real property disputes involving title issues, easement and alley questions, condominium and property owners’ associations, landlord/tenant matters, and issues involving complex real estate transactions. In addition, Matt assists clients in obtaining administrative approvals such as Alcoholic Beverage Control permits, appealing administrative decisions, trusts and estates litigation, and drafting documents for the acquisition, finance, and sale of real property.
Matt frequently gives presentations on land use and real estate matters to other lawyers for continuing legal education credit and to trade groups, including the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, and was named to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2019.
Representative Experience
Successfully defended numerous judicial challenges to various land use approvals, including rezonings, special use permits, and special exceptions, at both the trial court and Virginia Supreme Court.
Successfully defended multiple claims against local and national homebuilders involving various claims.
Successfully defended claims against a condominium developer for alleged breaches of various warranties
Successfully defended various claims against a developer of large mixed-use project that sought not less than $100,000,000 in damages in a multi-day commercial arbitration.
Successfully defended a lender and property owner in a multi-day trial against claims that a signature on a deed was forged.
Successfully defended a lender’s first priority lien position against claims made by a subordinate lienholder.
Successfully defended a property owner against title claims and tort claims made by a prior owner of the property.
Successfully obtained approval of a Virginia ABC permit despite a legal challenge brought by a group of neighbors.
Successfully obtained a judicial declaration vacating an easement for a large mixed-use project in a case involving more than 675 parties.
Assisted in a successful appeal to the Virginia Supreme Court reversing several notices of violation against a non-profit counseling center in the City of Fairfax.
Assisted in the successful defense of a challenge to a $2,925,000 deficiency judgment following the foreclosure of a parcel of real property.
Reported Decisions
Dumfries-Triangle Rescue Squad, Inc. v. Bd. of Cnty. Super’s., 299 Va. 226 (Va. 2020)
Helmick Family Farm, LLC v. Comm’r of Highways, 297 Va. 777 (Va. 2019)
Bd. of Super’s of Stafford County v. Metts, L.C., Rec. No. 141812 (Va. Oct. 1, 2015)
In re: November 20, 2013 Decision of the Bd. of Zoning Appeals, 89 Va. Cir. 345 (Va. Cir. Ct. 2014)
Tran v. Fairfax Cnty. Bd. of Super’s., 87 Va. Cir. 344 (Va. Cir. Ct. 2013)
The Lamb Center v. City of Fairfax, Rec. No. 111485 (Va. June 7, 2012)
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Virginia Bar Association
Publications and Presentations
“2020-2021 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE (October 2021)
“2019-2020 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE (October 2020)
“2018-2019 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (October 2019)
“2017-2018 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 2018)
“5 Rules of Virginia Land Use Law You Must Know,” Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, Prince William, Virginia (August 2017)
“2016-2017 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 2017)
“2015-2016 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 2016)
“2014-2015 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 2015)
“Real Estate Law from Contract to Closing,” VALS, Richmond, Virginia (September 20, 2014).
“2013–2014 Virginia Real Estate Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 17, 2014).
“2012–2013 Virginia Case Law Update,” CLE, Vienna, Virginia (June 26, 2013).
“10 Rules of Virginia Land Use Law You Must Know,” Northern Virginia Building Industry Association, U40 Future Leaders, Fairfax, Virginia (June 5, 2013).
The Breaking Point: Examining the Potential Liability of Maple Baseball Bat Manufacturers for Injuries Caused by Broken Maple Baseball Bats, 115 Penn St. L. Rev. 517 (Fall 2010).
Professional Recognition
Named to “Virginia Rising Stars,” Business Litigation, Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2019 and 2021
