Matt Johnston

Matt Johnston is a small business attorney known for helping entrepreneurs navigate contracts, compliance, and growth decisions with clarity. Since entering private practice in 2007, he has advised organizations of many sizes, applying practical legal strategies that reflect how businesses operate day to day in competitive and regulated environments.

Matt began his academic path at the University of Maryland-College Park, where he graduated cum laude in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Government & Politics. He later earned his Juris Doctor from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America in 2005, graduating cum laude after focused legal training.

Matt built his legal career by working closely with a wide range of clients, including software companies, trade associations, retail businesses, and the U.S. Navy. This exposure gave him a broad understanding of how different industries function, allowing him to tailor legal guidance to the specific challenges faced by each client.

Matt brings a business-minded perspective to his legal work because he understands entrepreneurship firsthand. As a co-owner of Jammy Jams, a music company creating lullaby music inspired by popular songs, he has experienced the operational, contractual, and creative issues that business owners regularly confront.

Matt uses this dual perspective to help clients make informed decisions, reduce risk, and plan for long-term success. His approach emphasizes clear communication, realistic solutions, and legal strategies that align with a client’s goals rather than abstract legal theory.

Matt Johnston continues to support small businesses by combining legal knowledge with practical experience, helping clients protect their work, strengthen operations, and move forward with greater certainty in an evolving business landscape. He is admitted to practice before the state and federal courts of Maryland and the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. His practice reflects a steady commitment to guiding business owners through complex legal matters with confidence and efficiency.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founder & Attorney, The Law Offices of Matthew S. Johnston, LLC
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
• Member, Maryland State Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• Maryland

Education

• Catholic University of America, School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Maryland, College Park
  BA in Government & Politics

Awards & Badges