Partner, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
By Paige Udermann
Imad Matini, partner at Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP, is no stranger to the hard work and discipline
that comes with a career in the legal field. He grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, with parents who poured everything
into raising him.
“They inspire me every day,” Matini says. “They came from nothing and instilled a relentless work ethic in me that continues to push me forward.”
Although he originally dreamed of becoming a dentist, his plans changed as he studied government at the College of William & Mary. Law became a path on which he could merge his work ethic, curiosity and strong desire to help others into one career.
He went on to attend West Virginia University (WVU) College of Law, graduating with not only a Juris Doctor degree in 2014 but also an MBA from the WVU College of Business and Economics.
“WVU believed in me, offered me a scholarship and gave me tools to grow in ways I never thought I could,” Matini says. “I worked hard to achieve as much as I could in law school and from there obtained two federal clerkships. Those clerkships helped open doors for me to pursue my vision of a broad yet specialized litigation practice in the Washington, D.C., area.”
Over the years, Matini’s practice has evolved, but it all started with a summer associate position at Steptoe & Johnson PLLC. There, he learned practical legal skills and the value of working on a team. After his time at the firm, Matini clerked for the Honorable Stephanie Thacker and the Honorable Judge Stamp Jr.
“Those were two of the most valuable opportunities for developing my legal skills and career,” Matini says. “It is really a matter of what I didn’t learn. My judges were—and still are—incredible jurists who helped me understand the law, the vital role the judiciary plays in our government and what goes into every ruling and decision.”
Matini has drawn on everything he has learned in the last decade to become a first chair litigator with extensive trial and appellate experience. “I help clients solve their toughest legal problems,” Matini says. “In my role as partner, I am regularly in court, including hearings, trying cases, arguing motions and appeals and other litigation activities. We go to trial and handle multiple appeals many times each year.”
Through his work, he remains constantly inspired. He is driven to achieve the best results for his clients and committed to leading by example for his team. Just as importantly, he strives to set a good example for his children and wants his family to be proud of his work.
Matini’s family is at the heart of his ambitions and has remained central in his vision throughout his journey.
“I consider my greatest success maintaining and pursuing the values and goals I have had since day one of plunging into my legal career,” he says. “Since law school, I have always had two goals in mind: building a practice and having a family. I have been able to do both, though it has taken the support of so many along the way.”
His wife, Lauren, in particular, has been instrumental.
“She gave up so much to help me develop my legal career and make sure I did not lose faith even in the darkest and most trying moments,” Matini says. “She is an amazing wife, partner and best friend.”
He also feels he wouldn’t be where he is today without his parents, the judges he clerked for and his fellow partner, Paul Werner. Werner became a mentor to Matini and helped guide his path to partnership.
Matini also credits his in-laws for their support throughout his career journey.
“During law school and clerking, they were my home away from home,” he says. “They constantly encouraged and supported me every step of the way and still do.”
Having benefited from strong mentorship himself, Matini is driven to do the same for the younger members of their team.
“It is worthwhile because it brings value to the team, builds the practice and makes the practice of law so much more enjoyable,” he says. “Seeing the younger folks grow and achieve is fulfilling and one of the best parts of my job.”
Throughout his career, Matini has maintained a strong commitment to community service and focus on diversity and inclusion.
“As a child of immigrants, I care deeply about how the legal profession can be better served by welcoming others into its ranks, as well as serving those in the community,” Matini says. “Lawyers play an important role in communities because of the knowledge we have and the skills we possess within the legal system—skills that are not readily obtainable absent years of school and passing the most rigorous exam to practice.”
His commitment has translated into a variety of pro bono work, like asylum and environmental litigation.
“I often help families with obtaining citizenship through lawful channels,” Matini says. “One of the best outcomes was reuniting a father and son after 15 years apart by helping the client’s son obtain a legal path to citizenship. I have also worked for entities like Oceana and Trout Unlimited to challenge agency regulations and actions that would otherwise imperil pristine and critical habitats.”
Giving back to the community doesn’t end with his work as a lawyer; Matini finds it imperative to support causes near and dear to his heart. Although he now lives in Vienna, VA, with his family, he is still strongly connected to West Virginia.
“I have been blessed more than I could have imagined through the kindness of others,” he says. “That includes the West Virginia community, which has always supported me in pursuing my career goals. That is why I donate regularly to Pantry Plus, a food bank based in Morgantown, as well as other West Virginia-based charities. To me, giving back to the state that supported me is the least I can do, particularly for groups and causes that help children who will ultimately become the future of the state and community.”
Matini also stays involved within his profession. He serves on the Pro Bono and Recruiting committees at Sheppard Mullin, is a member of multiple bar associations—including the Iranian American Bar Association—and teaches civil procedure at the D.C. Bar.
Outside of court, Matini can be found spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, avidly reading and working out.
Matini’s legal career has been all about earning and creating opportunities, just as his parents did for him. His journey has been one of staying true to himself and showing up for the people around him. As Matini looks toward the future, he is focused on continuing to grow, furthering his practice, giving back to the communities that shaped him and keeping family at the heart of it all.
