OVERVIEW
With over 20 years of experience serving as outside counsel for closely held and family-owned businesses and nonprofit organizations, Matt combines concrete business expertise with an intense ability to simplify complex issues to provide practical, actionable advice and solutions that further his client’s business goals. Approaching his practice from the philosophy that every matter matters, Matt brings to his client relationships an extraordinary level of service and responsiveness, while also inserting a bit of humor that eases his clients through sticky situations.
Estate planning is figuring out what happens to your assets at the time of your death. Matt’s experience helps clients preserve and distribute assets, protect interests, and set up the proper legal documents according to your wishes when you are gone. Matt advises clients on trust and estate planning, estate and trust administration, prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives.
Matt is also a recognized leader throughout the Pacific Northwest representing public charter schools and helps clients in charter applications, negotiations, operational issues, facility issues, employment issues, education law, public contracting, and public meetings and records law.
Prior to joining Jordan Ramis PC, Matt worked as a staff member in the United States Senate and Oregon State Senate. This first-hand experience in politics, along with more than 20 years of experience representing political campaigns, public interest groups, trade associations, and other state and federal political organizations, contributes to Matt’s ability to handle public policy, election, and campaign finance matters with a seasoned perspective.
What Matt enjoys most about practicing law is defining a common goal with his clients, navigating through challenging issues, and seeing clients succeed. And when he is not practicing law, he enjoys raising farm animals, golfing, and spending time with his family.
Education
- B.A., Villanova University, 1991
- J.D., Willamette University College of Law, 2000
Admissions
- State of Oregon
- State of Washington
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth District
- U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
- U.S. Supreme Court
Membership and Activities
- Member, American Bar Association
- Oregon State Bar
- Member, Nonprofit Organizations Law Section
- Member, Multnomah Bar Association
- Member, Alliance of Public Charter School Attorneys
- Board Member, Pacific University
- Former Board Member, Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association
- Former Board Member, Oregon Society of Association Management
- Former Board Member, Faith Bible Christian School
- Former Board Member and Past President, Dorchester Conference
Presentations
- “Mortgage Foreclosure Moratoriums in Oregon – What You Need to Know,” Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association Webinar, December 2020
- “The Latest Legal,” Oregon Society of Association Management, May 2020
- “1031 Exchanges and Related Tax Issues,” Oregon Paralegal Association Annual Convention and Business Meeting, November 2018
- “Must Negotiate Legal Clauses in Event Contracts,” Oregon Society of Association Managers 2018 Thought Leader Summit, February 2018
- “Legislative Update,” Homebuilders Association of Portland, October 2017
- “Everybody Needs a Will,” Pacific University Alumni Association Brunch Series, September 2017
- Panelist: Dorchester Conference: Grassroots Politics, Influence & Debate, March 2017
- “Critical Employment Law Developments,” League of Oregon Cities Charter Schools Annual Conference, August 2016
- Moderator: “Association CEOs Talk Issues of Influence and Importance,” Oregon Society of Association Management, December 2015
- “Designing and Using Weighted Lotteries Under the Charter Schools Program,” Alliance for Public Charter School Attorneys, September 2015
- “Top 10 Must-Negotiate Terms When Renewing Your Charter Contract,” Oregon Charter School Leadership Conference, August 2015
- “The Eight-Step Program to Building a Better Board,” Oregon Charter School Leadership Conference, August 2015
- “Hail to The Chief,” Venture Portland, June 2015
- “Top 10 Things to Know and Do When Serving as the Secretary or Treasurer of a Nonprofit Corporation,” Venture Portland, June 2015
RESOURCES
“Being Prepared: Three Challenges Facing Hoteliers in 2022” LODGING Magazine
March 16, 2022
A hotels enter 2022 in a position far more promising than last year, it is crucial for decision-makers to monitor how COVID’s lasting impacts will continue shaping the future of the hospitality industry. On March 11, 2022, LODGING Magazine published Jordan Ramis President Matthew Lowe’s article outlining three hurdles hoteliers may face in the year ahead, ranging from financial to operational in nature.
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“At Pacific Northwest Firm Jordan Ramis, Small Size Doesn’t Hold Back Big Clients,” The Mid-Market Report
July 13, 2021
In an article published on June 30, 2021, in The Mid-Market Report, Jordan Ramis President Matthew Lowe is profiled in the “Getting to Know You” Q&A series highlighting law firm leaders. “One of our biggest opportunities is expanding our firm’s…
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New State Laws Affecting Oregon Hospitality in 2018
March 1, 2018
By Matthew D. Lowe This article originally appeared in the Jan./Feb edition of the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association's Lodging News. The new year and a new session of the Oregon Legislature are upon us. From amended laws concerning room…
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