Matt is a Notre Dame Law School graduate and currently works as the CEO and Co-Founder of Attorney Share. Matt’s story is anything but linear. From law student to buy-side M&A lawyer, to startup operator, his path is full of hard-earned wisdom and surprising turns.
We kick off at the end of Matt’s time at the University of San Diego, where he felt the need to step outside of his California roots. This led him to the University of Notre Dame, where he boldly pursued both an MBA and J.D. simultaneously—a testament to his drive and ambition. In this episode, Matt dives deep into his law school experience, emphasizing the critical importance of a strong support system and reflecting on how his career interests shifted as law school progressed.
Post-law school, Matt took on the role of an Associate in M&A, quickly realizing that the corporate path wasn’t quite what he envisioned. His pivot came when he joined Winc as VP of Legal and Compliance, marking his entry into the startup world. Matt was thrust into the fast-paced, unpredictable world of startups, growing alongside Winc as it skyrocketed to success—including helping guide the company through its IPO, a milestone few get to experience firsthand.
As we edge closer to the present, Matt shares a serendipitous moment at a children's birthday party, where he unexpectedly connected with former podcast guest and now co-founder of Attorney Share, Robert Simon. Matt also reveals some of the common pitfalls in startups and serves up fantastic book recommendations for anyone navigating the intersection of law and business.
This episode is packed with insights from Matt’s unique journey, making it one of my personal favorites. If you’re fascinated by startups, business strategy, or how legal expertise can power innovation, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
Matt’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mattthelen
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E78: Matt Thelen Co-Founder and CEO of Attorney Share