Successful legal representation starts with clear communication and a straightforward approach. Clients appreciate simplifying complex issues, allowing us to create tailored plans that meet their needs. I focus on building long-term relationships, collaborating with families and adjusting plans as needed. I want clients to feel secure throughout the process. One client stated, “Matt Shea is a top-notch attorney.” I aim to be genuine and approachable, allowing clients to leverage my experience and commitment as they reach their goals.

Matt Shea is a trusts and estates attorney whose practice concentrates on high-net-worth estate planning, emphasizing federal transfer tax and business succession planning. A major area of focus is planning for owners of private equity firms, which involves understanding and navigating the federal regulations that impact estate planning for these assets and developing strategies to reduce federal gift, estate and generation-skipping transfer (GST) taxes at death.

Matt assists high-net-worth families, executives and business owners with the following:

  • Business and farm succession planning
  • Charitable planning and giving
  • Estate and trust administration and contests
  • Estate planning
  • Fiduciary litigation
  • Guardianships and conservatorships
  • International estate and tax planning
  • Tax Controversy and Fiduciary Litigation

Additionally, Matt brings extensive experience working with private equity and hedge fund general partners as well as single and multi-family offices. He is dedicated to helping clients achieve their estate planning goals and supports families through the estate settlement and administration process following the loss of a loved one.

Matt has been an elected Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) since 2011. ACTEC is a nationwide organization comprised of distinguished practitioners in trusts and estates, selecting Fellows based on peer nominations along with a demonstrated commitment to the profession, integrity, competence and a minimum of 10 years of exclusive practice as trusts and estates counselors. He served as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law from 2009 to 2018, teaching several courses and earning the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2013. In 2014, he received the firm-wide Mooty Award for excellence in client service and business development.

With a deep understanding of the law and a commitment to helping others, Matt values building strong client relationships. He knows that trust develops gradually, so he invests in getting to know clients and listens carefully to their needs.