Sophisticated clients and organizations need an attorney who understands their needs and can guide them through the legal nuances of business and commercial transactions. Mr. Matteo, a shareholder, director and former President of the Firm, is that attorney. With 30 years of experience representing companies, non-profit organizations and closely held businesses, John concentrates his practice on business and commercial legal matters, including those arising in healthcare and real estate transactions. He currently chairs the Firm’s Business and Employment Law Practice Groups, and the Trusts & Estates Practice Group. Given the prior 12 years that he served as President, John has a unique perspective on the day-to-day operations facing any business.
John has represented both sellers and purchasers in multi-million dollar acquisitions, including The Washington Club in the sale of its historic Patterson Mansion at 15 Dupont Circle, one of the largest D.C. real estate transactions to close in 2014 and the sale of the City Tavern Club in Georgetown in 2024. John also represented the National Association of Attorneys General Mission Foundation, Inc. in its sale and renovation swap of its M Street headquarters. In 2015, John was retained by Washington Home and Community Hospices for the sale of its significant real estate holdings in the District and for related restructuring issues.
In addition to these significant real estate and business transactions, John has counseled several companies and individuals on a whole range of business issues, including organizational structuring, mergers and acquisitions, stock agreements, commercial leasing, real estate, governance, workouts, bankruptcy, and employment issues. John also represents non-profit organizations on similar issues, as well as obtaining tax-exempt status and providing compliance advice with IRC 501(c) regulations. Additionally, he has significant experience with succession and estate planning issues, for businesses and their owners, including the preparation of wills, trusts, living wills, advance directives, and family LLCs.
John regularly advises hospitals, healthcare providers, and organizations on contract and real estate matters, as well as particular health law related issues. He has had the unique opportunity to serve as acting in-house counsel support to a major specialty hospital in the District of Columbia, as well as a national trade association in the healthcare field.
Professional Associations
- Chair, D.C. Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee
- Board Member Holy Cross Hospital Foundation (appointed in 2025)
- Catholic Business Network of Montgomery County, Maryland
- Greater Washington Board of Trade (Member, 1995 – 2017)
- Former Chair and Board Member, Montgomery County Regional Advisory Board of the United Way
- Former Board Member, United Way of the National Capital Region
- Former Board Member, Gala Chair, SOAR!