Matt LeMaster

He/Him

Partner

Co-chair, M&A Practice

Matt LeMaster is the co-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 financial services, 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 West Coast Hotels USA, Icom America 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.

Previously at DWT, Matt served as chair to the M&A practice from 2012-2025, co-chair of the Veterans Affinity Group from 2020-2024, and on the Shareholder Compensation Committee from 2022-2024.

Practice Highlights

Mergers & acquisitions

Matt's core practice involves assisting his clients to achieve transformational business changes through mergers, acquisitions, financings, and other transactions.

Outside general counsel

Matt regularly assists significant ventures as outside general counsel who have daily legal requirements, but have no in-house counsel.

Industry expertise

Matt is deeply focused on media, technology, advanced manufacturing, financial services, distribution, senior living and hospitality industry verticals.

Financial Services

Media and Technology

Advanced Manufacturing and Distribution

Senior Living and Hospitality

Admitted to Practice

Washington

Education

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 1997
B.S., University of Oregon, 1990

Memberships & Affiliations

- Director, Lundquist School of Business, University of Oregon, 2025-present
- Chair, Alumni Leadership Council, 2024-present; Member, 2020-present – University of Washington School of Law
- Chair, Legislative Committee, 2022-present; Member, 2011-2016, 2020-present – Washington State Bar Association
- 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, Mergers and Acquisitions A 534, University of Washington School of Law, 2019-present
- Member, Seattle Rotary Club 4, 2019-2024
- Rotary Business Mentor, Foster Consulting and Business Development Center, University of Washington, 2022-2023
- Member, Stewardship Committee, University of Washington School of Law, 2020-present
- Member, M&A Committee, 2020-present; Member, Committee on State and Local Bar Relations, 2007-2010; Member, Negotiated Acquisitions Committee, 2006-2016 – American Bar Association
- Member, Advancement Committee, University of Washington School of Law, 2019-2020
- Mentor, University of Oregon School of Law, 2021-present
- Mentor, University of Washington School of Law, 2019-present
- Mentor, Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, 2019-present
- Member, National Association of Corporate Directors, 2018-present
- Chair, Law Firm Annual Challenge, University of Washington School of Law, 2018
- Director, Northwest Education Fund, 2015-2018
- Member, ALIS Planning Committee, 2012-2018
- Director, Mercer Island Youth Football Coach and Football Advisory Board, 2011-2016
- Founder and director, Pacific Rim M&A Institute, 2014-2016
- Member, Association for Corporate Growth, 2015-present
- Director, Childhaven, 2010-2012
- Member, 2002-2010; Director, 2004-2007 – Bellevue Rotary Club
- 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 – Business Law Section, Washington State Bar Association
- Director, Washington State Business Leaders Network, 2006-2009
- Director, Washington Attorneys Assisting Community Organizations (WAACO), 2008-2009
- Director, Hire America's Heroes, 2007-2009
- Director, Advisory Board, Seattle University Directors Academy, 2007-2009
- Co-chair, Corporate/In-House Section, 2003-2005; Chair, Community Involvement Committee, 2002-2003 – King County Bar Association
- Director, Board of Trustees, Young Lawyer Division, King County Bar Association, 2001-2002
- Graduate, Advance Bellevue, 2002

Professional Recognition

- Received "Willard J. Wright Outstanding Civic Performance Award," Davis Wright Tremaine, 2024
- Received "Veterans Leadership Award," Profiles in Diversity Journal, 2023
- Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Corporate/Commercial Law (Washington), 2017-2025; 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

- 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; one-day "Enchantments Traverse," 2024

Your search returned no results. Please try another search or remove search criteria.