People

Matt Hjortsberg is skilled at assisting clients in managing complex problems from “black swan events” to complex legal issues and multi-party negotiations.  He has extensive experience representing commercial contractors, subcontractors, design professionals and owners in disputes, including construction delay, impact and defect claims. Regardless of the nature of the dispute, Matt brings the same core skills to each matter to help clients mitigate and manage risk.

An unusually quick study, Matt can quickly recognize underlying business issues and complexities, determine the best plan of action and work efficiently on behalf of his clients. He routinely assists in resolving significant payment and mechanic’s lien disputes and has handled claims arising from a wide variety of construction projects, including energy infrastructure, renewable energy projects, data centers, manufacturing facilities and federal, state and local government projects.

Matt regularly represents clients, including private companies and owners, officers and directors, in arbitration, mediation and litigation proceedings in state and federal courts.  He has represented clients before the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals, the District of Columbia Contract Appeals Board and the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals.  He also has experience with arbitration forums and other administrative proceedings. Matt serves on the Council for the Construction Law section of the Maryland State Bar Association and is a regular speaker on construction law topics to contractors and construction law practitioners. Matt prides himself on using his natural abilities as a public speaker to advocate successfully on behalf of his clients through clear and persuasive articulation of complex issues.

Some of Matt’s recent cases have involved contract claims, bid protests, partnership disputes and derivative actions.  While he favors negotiated resolution in most circumstances involving business disputes, Matt has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict.

Matt has been named a Fellow of the Maryland Bar Foundation for his outstanding dedication and contribution to the legal profession. He has been named to the Maryland Top 100 Super Lawyers list repeatedly as well as Best Lawyers, and was designated Lawyer of the Year for Construction Law in Baltimore. He has also been designated as a Band 2 Construction Lawyer by Chambers and Partners.  Finally, he is a member of the Construction Law Society of America, an invitation-only group of the top construction law professionals in the country. Before joining Shulman Rogers, he served as the managing partner of a Baltimore County law firm.

Matt and his wife, a lymphoma survivor, have been longtime supporters of the Maryland chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – he served as chapter president from 2010 to 2013 and is a frequent speaker and advocate on behalf of the organization. He has also served on the boards of the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Sports Legends Museums and the Maryland Law School Alumni Association.