Matt Karres

Matt Karres is a seasoned attorney with a legal career spanning over three decades. Matt focuses his practice on commercial real estate, particularly in lease review, property acquisition, and finance. His extensive background makes him a valuable resource for developers, owners, and businesses navigating complex real estate matters.

Matt began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina in 1980. He continued his education at the same institution, earning his Juris Doctor in 1984. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a successful legal career rooted in attention to detail and analytical thinking.

Matt’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined Family Dollar Stores, Inc. as in-house counsel in 1989. For more than two decades, he played a critical role in commercial lease drafting, negotiation, and review. Following Family Dollar’s acquisition, Matt continued to serve as in-house counsel for Dollar Tree, working across multiple locations until 2023.

Matt has worked on a wide range of real estate issues, including lease modification, real estate finance, and litigation coordination. His experience includes navigating the legal landscape for retail store operations across the United States and Canada, equipping him with a deep understanding of regional and national property laws.

Matt’s focus today is on helping clients through each phase of commercial real estate transactions. He assists with drafting, negotiating, and reviewing leases while advising on acquisition and finance strategies. His practice is grounded in real-world experience, offering practical legal solutions to businesses and property developers.

Matt Karres continues to apply his decades of expertise to support clients in achieving their commercial real estate goals. Whether it’s guiding a lease negotiation or structuring a property acquisition, his insight and professionalism remain a steady asset to those he serves.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Essex Richards, P.A.
• Member, North Carolina State Bar

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• University of North Carolina
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges