Matt LeMaster
Partner
Chair, M&A Practice
Co-chair, Veteran Attorneys Affinity Group
Matt LeMaster is the chair of DWT's mergers and acquisitions practice. He focuses on business transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and finance. He has specific experience in media, technology, advanced manufacturing, distribution, senior living and hospitality.
Matt has been designated by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer (Band 3) in Corporate and Commercial law in Washington state.
Chambers reviewers noted his "quick response and concise answers in the midst of stressful negotiations" and his ability "to become part of the team and help solve problems to accomplish business goals."
In addition to his specific knowledge of transactions and mergers and acquisitions, Matt acts as principal outside counsel to Coast Hotels USA, Icom America Inc., Modjoul Inc., and Convoy Supply Inc. Matt is also an affiliate professor at the University of Washington School of Law, where he teaches a course on mergers and acquisitions.
Matt co-chairs DWT's veteran's affinity group, and helps manage equity partner compensation as a member of DWT's share committee.
Practice Highlights
Mergers & acquisitions
Outside general counsel
Industry expertise
Media and Technology
Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution
Senior Living and Hospitality
Admitted to Practice
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Washington
Education
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J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1997
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B.S., University of Oregon, 1990
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Co-Chair, 2021-present; Member, 2016-present – WSBA Partnership and LLC Law Committee
- Co-director, Global Business Law Institute, University of Washington School of Law, 2019-present
- Affiliate Professor, University of Washington School of Law, Mergers and Acquisitions A 534, 2019-present
- Seattle Rotary Club 4, Member, 2019-present
- Rotary Business Mentor, University of Washington, Foster Consulting and Business Development Center, 2022-present
- Leadership Council, University of Washington School of Law, Member, 2020-present
- Stewardship Committee, University of Washington School of Law, Member, 2020-present
- American Bar Association, M&A Committee, Member, 2020-present
- Advancement Committee, University of Washington School of Law, Member, 2019-2020
- University of Oregon School of Law, Mentor, 2021-present
- University of Washington School of Law, Mentor, 2019-present
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, Mentor, 2019-present
- Association for Corporate Growth, Member, 2015-present
- National Association of Corporate Directors, Member, 2018-present
- Law Firm Annual Challenge, University of Washington School of Law, Chair, 2018
- ALIS Planning Committee, Member, 2012-2018
- Mercer Island Youth Football Coach and Football Advisory Board, Director, 2011-2016
- Pacific Rim M&A Institute, Founder and Director, 2014-2016
- Northwest Education Fund, Director, 2015-2018
- Legislative Committee, Washington State Bar Association, Member, 2011-2016, 2020-present
- Childhaven, Director, 2010-2012
- Bellevue Rotary Club, Member, 2002-2010; Director, 2004-2007
- Business Law Section, Washington State Bar Association – Immediate Past Chair, 2009-2010; Chair, 2008-2009; Chair-Elect and Treasurer, 2007-2008; Chair, Mid-Year Meeting, June 2007; Vice Chair, 2006-2007; Recorder, 2005-2006; Co-chair, Publications Committee, 2002-2005
- Washington State Business Leaders Network, Director, 2006-2009
- Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations (WAACO), Director, 2008-2009
- Hire America's Heroes, Director, 2007-2009
- American Bar Association, Committee on State and Local Bar Relations, Member, 2007-2010
- American Bar Association, Negotiated Acquisitions Committee, Member, 2006-2016
- Seattle University Directors Academy, Advisory Board, Director, 2007-2009
- King County Bar Association, Corporate/In-House Section, Co-Chair, 2003-2005
- King County Bar Association, Community Involvement Committee, Chair, 2002-2003
- King County Bar Association, Board of Trustees, Young Lawyer Division, Director, 2001-2002
- Advance Bellevue, Graduate, 2002
Professional Recognition
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- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Corporate/Commercial Law (Washington), 2017-2024; Named a "Recognised Practitioner" in Corporate/Commercial Law (Washington), 2016; Leisure & Hospitality (Nationwide), 2019
- Named one of the "Best Lawyers in America" by Best Lawyers in Corporate Law, 2012-present; in Leisure and Hospitality Law, 2021-present
- Selected to "Washington Rising Stars" and "Washington Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters
- Avvo Rating 10/10
Background
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- Captain, U.S. Army, Combat Engineer, obtained Airborne, Ranger, and German Badge for Military Proficiency qualifications; graduate of NATO Winter Long-Range Reconnaissance Patrol School
- Varsity Football, ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander, George C. Marshall Outstanding Cadet, Distinguished Military Graduate – University of Oregon
- Climbed "The Grand," Grand Tetons, 2019; completed the "Decalibron," climbed Mounts Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross in one day, 2020; climbed the "Mountaineer's Route" on Mount Whitney, 2022