Matthew J. Shepherd

Matthew J. Shepherd is an attorney in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he leads a private law practice serving individuals and organizations. Shepherd maintains a broad practice focused on business and corporate matters, civil litigation, oil and gas law, probate, estate planning, and real estate. He represents nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and larger companies, providing transactional guidance, general counsel, and courtroom representation in state and federal matters.

Shepherd earned his J.D. from the University of Arkansas School of Law in 2001. He received a B.A. in history and political science, magna cum laude, from Ouachita Baptist University in 1998. His academic background in law, history, and government supports a practical understanding of legal institutions, public policy, and business concerns. This training helps him analyze disputes, draft agreements, and advise clients on matters involving property, organizations, estates, and commercial relationships.

Shepherd has more than two decades of legal experience handling corporate, transactional, and litigation matters. His work includes forming business entities, drafting and negotiating contracts, advising on real estate and oil and gas issues, and representing clients in civil disputes. He is admitted to the Arkansas and Louisiana bars, as well as to federal district and bankruptcy courts in Arkansas and Louisiana, and to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Matthew J. Shepherd also brings substantial public leadership experience to his legal practice. He has served in the Arkansas House of Representatives since 2011 and was Speaker of the House from 2018 through 2024, becoming the longest-serving speaker in state history. Shepherd has chaired legislative committees involving energy, judiciary, agriculture, forestry, and economic development. His professional service, community involvement, and understanding of government help him provide clients with careful, informed, and practical legal guidance.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Matthew J. Shepherd, P. A.
• Member, Arkansas State Bar
• Member, Union County Bar Association
• Member, Federalist Society
• Member, Louisiana State Bar Association
• Board Member, El Dorado Fifty for the Future, Inc.
• Board Member, Arkansas Baptist Foundation
• Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado
• Chairman and President, Boomtown Classic, Inc.
• Former Executive Board Member, Arkansas Baptist State Convention
• Deacon and Sunday School Teacher, First Baptist Church, El Dorado

Licensed State

• Arkansas
• Louisiana

Education

• University of Arkansas School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Ouachita Baptist University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges