Matthew J. Leonard

        Partner

        Matt’s practice focuses on the areas of estate and gift planning, estate and trust administration, charitable planning, probate litigation and business succession planning. He assists individuals and families in planning and carrying out comprehensive gift strategies and estate plans to transfer and protect family wealth in a tax-efficient matter tailored to the client’s wishes. In addition, Matt works with closely-held and family businesses assisting families in corporate governance and succession planning.

        Matt also guides clients through the process of estate administration, helping to navigate complex estate, trust, tax and probate matters. He is experienced in the preparation of estate and gift tax returns, as well as fiduciary income tax returns.

        Prior to joining the firm as an associate in 2008, Matt clerked with Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster for a year and worked as a Title Examiner for Connolly Title Services and as a clerk for the law firm of Gold, Albanese and Barletti while attending law school.

        Services/Industries

        Education

        • Boston University School of Law (LL.M.) Taxation (Estate Planning Concentration)
        • Suffolk University Law School (J.D., cum laude)
        • University of Notre Dame (B.A.) Political Science and Computer Applications

        Bar Admissions

        • Massachusetts
        • Maine

        Memberships

        • Member, Boston Estate Planning Council
        • Member, City Professional Advisors
        • Member, Boston Bar Association

        Honors

        • Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2019–2021)
        • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® under Trusts and Estates in Boston, Massachusetts (2021, 2023–2026)

        Learn more about the third-party ratings, rankings, and selection processes used for inclusion.

        Firm Highlights

        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Discusses Bankruptcy Auction Strategy in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach spoke with Law360 article examining the complex bankruptcy auction process that resulted in the sale of 23 summer...
        Media Mentions

        Martha Gaythwaite Featured in Portland Press Herald Coverage of Sig Sauer Trial Victory

        Verrill attorney Martha Gaythwaite was highlighted in media coverage of a federal trial in Bangor involving firearm manufacturer Sig Sauer. As...
        Media Mentions

        Law360 Quotes Robert Keach on Senate Bill Affecting Small Business Restructurings

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was recently quoted in a Law360 article discussing federal legislation that would permanently restore the $7.5 million...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        SAFEs and Preferred Stock – Key Deal Terms Every Founder Should Know

        SAFEs Before negotiating a term sheet for preferred stock, many early-stage companies, particularly at the seed stage, first raise capital through...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Business Restructuring and Insolvency Attorney Nimra Tariq

        BOSTON, Massachusetts – Verrill is pleased to announce that Nimra Tariq has joined the firm’s Business Restructuring and Insolvency Group as an...
        Media Mentions

        Robert Keach Provides Commentary on First Brands Restructuring in Law360

        Verrill attorney Robert Keach was quoted in the Law360 article, "First Brands' Ch. 11 Plan Revives Angst Over Admin Claims," discussing First Brands...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Welcomes Construction Attorney Cassie Dufon

        PORTLAND, Maine – Verrill is pleased to welcome Cassie Dufon to the firm’s Construction Group as an Associate, resident in the firm’s Portland...
        Press Releases

        Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2026 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

        BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine and BOSTON, Mass. – Verrill attorneys Kenneth P. Brier, Anya F. Endsley, Kurt E. Klebe, Mary McQuillen, Nathaniel S....
        Blog

        Update on Status of Maine Packaging EPR

        In December 2024, Verrill published a blog post, Unwrapping Maine's Gift to the Environment: A New Packaging Stewardship Program Set to Launch in...
        Blog

        Voluntary Benefits Move into the ERISA Litigation Crosshairs

        Employee-paid accident, critical-illness, cancer, and hospital-indemnity insurance have long occupied a quiet corner of employee benefit plan...
        Alerts and Newsletters

        Maine’s New Employer Surveillance Law, 26 M.R.S. § 620-A

        Effective July 14, 2026 Maine employers that electronically monitor employees must comply with a new disclosure law effective July 14, 2026. Under...
        Press Releases

        Verrill Recognized by U.S. News as One of the Best Law Firms to Work for in 2026

        BOSTON, Mass., BANGOR and PORTLAND, Maine, GREENWICH and WESTPORT, Conn., – Verrill has been featured on U.S. News’ 2026 Best Companies to Work...