Imad Matini
Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
Photo by DuPont Photographers.
PAIGE UDERMANN
IMAD MATINI, partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, is no stranger to the hard work and discipline that comes with a career in the legal field. He grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, with parents who poured everything into raising him.
“ They inspire me every day,” Matini says.“ They came from nothing and instilled a relentless work ethic in me that continues to push me forward.”
Although he originally dreamed of becoming a dentist, his plans changed as he studied government at the College of William & Mary. Law became a path on which he could merge his work ethic, curiosity and strong desire to help others into one career.
He went on to attend West Virginia University( WVU) College of Law, graduating with not only a Juris Doctor degree in 2014 but also an MBA from the WVU College of Business and Economics.
“ WVU believed in me, offered me a scholarship and gave me tools to grow in ways I never thought I could,” Matini says.“ I worked hard to achieve as much as I could in law school and from there obtained two federal clerkships. Those clerkships helped open doors for me to pursue my vision of a broad yet specialized litigation practice in the Washington, D. C., area.”
Over the years, Matini’ s practice has evolved, but it all started with a summer associate position at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. There, he learned practical legal skills and the value of working on a team. After his time at the firm, Matini clerked for the Honorable Stephanie Thacker and the Honorable Judge Stamp Jr.
“ Those were two of the most valuable opportunities for developing my legal skills and career,” Matini says.“ It is really a matter of what I didn’ t learn. My judges were— and still are— incredible jurists who helped me understand the law, the vital role the judiciary plays in our government and what goes into every ruling and decision.”
Matini has drawn on everything he has learned in the last decade to become a first chair litigator with extensive trial and appellate experience.“ I help clients solve their toughest legal problems,” Matini says.“ In my role as partner, I am regularly in court, including hearings, trying cases, arguing motions and appeals and other litigation activities. We go to trial and handle multiple appeals many times each year.”
Through his work, he remains constantly inspired. He is driven to achieve the best results for his clients and committed to leading by example for his team. Just as importantly, he strives to set a good example for his children and wants his family to be proud of his work.
Matini’ s family is at the heart of his ambitions and has remained central in his vision throughout his journey.
“ I consider my greatest success maintaining and pursuing the values and goals I have had since day one of plunging into my legal career,” he says.“ Since law school, I have always had two goals in mind: building a practice and having a family. I have been able to do both, though it has taken the support of so many along the way.”
His wife, Lauren, in particular, has been instrumental.
“ She gave up so much to help me develop my legal career and make sure I did not lose faith even in the darkest and most trying moments,” Matini says.“ She is an amazing wife, partner and best friend.”
He also feels he wouldn’ t be where he is today without his parents, the judges he clerked for and his fellow partner, Paul Werner. Werner became
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