Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Admissions
Certification
Hobbies
Timeline
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Matthew Simonds

Pittsburgh,PA

Summary

Highly motivated and strategic-minded attorney with over 13 years of experience in a wide scope of law. Including litigation, construction, M&A, commercial contracts, corporate governance, insurance, tax assessments and appeals as well as commerical real estate. Proven record of success in yielding highly favorable and profitable results in negotiations, handling high stakes disputes and navigating complex business matters.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Senior Counsel, Corporate Governance

Westinghouse Electric Company
11.2022 - 01.2024
  • Managed internal team of 3 and dedicated outside counsel team of 4-10 attorneys
  • Oversaw governance of 50 worldwide entities, including offshore parent companies and entities subject to Special Security Agreement with National Nuclear Security Administration
  • Spearheaded legal entity rationalization that culminated in $8.2B acquisition
  • Restructured new board responsibilities, fiduciary duties and shareholder rights to promote transparent business practices
  • Drafted and implemented company wide policies regarding limits of authority, signature authority and use of company seal
  • Collaborated cross-functionally with finance, tax and regulatory to structure new procedures
  • Lead in-house counsel on $100MM projects for nuclear parts business
  • Strategically negotiated beneficially terms and conditions for exclusive long-term supply contracts and favorable pricing models
  • Maintained key corporate documents, prepared minutes and resolutions for director's approval
  • Prepared meeting agendas and materials including drafting memos of proposed actions and collaborating with executive team to review presentations for board members

President

Simonds Holdings, LLC
09.2014 - Current
  • Built profitable real estate portfolio from ground up consisting of multiple investment properties
  • Expansions and acquisitions average 20% returns resulting in revenues in excess of $3MM annually
  • Successfully negotiated terms with banks and brokers to secure unheard of interest rates even during fed hikes by leveraging offers
  • Core competencies includes natural ability to seek out untapped markets to research and seize on value adds in multiple states where no outside interest existed
  • Thorough knowledge of standard form contracts and implemented standard sale language leading to removal of need for outside counsel
  • Ability to navigate tax law and assessment appeals that has resulted in $50K+ yearly savings
  • Seized on opportunity for multi million dollar cash out refinance resulting in lower interest rates, available revenue and return of investment
  • Became licensed real estate broker to cut costs during acquisitions and sales
  • Led network of vendors to result in effective operations of multiple properties with increased occupancy and tenant satisfaction 86%+ YOY

Director & Senior Counsel, Compliance & Governance

HarbisonWalker International
10.2018 - 11.2022
  • Managed 15 subsidiaries operating in North America, South America, Europe and Asia as well as a charitable foundation
  • Secured additional $9MM+ in revenue over 12 months by drafting, negotiating and administering commerical & real estate transactions and complex international sales, agency, distribution & licensing agreements, nondisclosures, insurance as well as employment and non-compete agreements for all markets
  • Responsible for sales agreements, distribution agreements, warehousing and procurement transactions including negotiation of applicable terms and conditions
  • Negotiated tax credits for operations in several states that earned $5MM+, including credits tied to job creation such as New Markets Tax Credits
  • Resolved customer disputes and insurance claims that lead to additional $12MM+ in savings
  • Drafted and filed company's Duty Drawback application resulting in $10MM+ after identifying unnecessary payments
  • Completed required annual filings, KYC requests and repatriation of $3MM+ cash from overseas entities
  • Advised on risk for M&A, corporate restructuring, banking, insurance, OSHA/EPA compliance, product development, intellectual property, land use, contamination and HR matters such as the WARN and ERISA
  • Coordinated and prepared responses to U.S. International Trade Commission anti-dumping inquires to ensure information was accurate and responsive to Commission's needs

General Counsel & Human Resource Director

Western Pennsylvania Home Health Association
09.2014 - 10.2018
  • Advised on regulatory matters including HIPAA and HITECH, insurance rules and licensing
  • Created training programs and materials that implemented policies and procedures that ensured compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Drafted employment, separation and non-compete agreements as well as other core business contracts including third-party staffing, independent contractor and vendor agreements
  • Reviewed and responded to subpoenas and complaints from government agencies, complied SCIO audit responses, resolved labor complaints and advised on Joint Commissions and CMS accreditation

Attorney, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate

U.S. Air Force Reserve & PA Air National Guard
09.2014 - 03.2019
  • Provided legal counsel and operational guidance to Wing Commander and subordinate Commanders
  • Managed military justice processes, contracting and health care law issues for 1,300+ person organization

Attorney, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate

U.S Air Force JAG Corps
03.2011 - 09.2014
  • Prosecuted 20+ active duty members for criminal offenses, including significant involvement in discovery and motion practice
  • 75+ federal convictions as Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Department of Justice
  • Served as government representative at 20+ administrative discharge board hearings
  • Appointed head of military justice section overseeing 12 attorneys and paralegals
  • Overhauled and lead tax preparation services that resulted in $3MM+ annual returns
  • Investigative officer who advised on 100+ investigations for legal sufficiency
  • Reviewed government contracts, issued ethics opinions, advised clients on estate planing, bankruptcy/debt and divorce
  • Negotiated settlement of $300K+ in anti government claims and $150k+ for government claims

Education

J.D. -

The George Washington University Law School
Washington, DC
05.2010

MBA -

Duquesne University School of Business
Pittsburgh, PA
12.2016

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Summa Cum Laude

Pace University Pforzheimer Honors College
Pleasantville, NY
05.2007

Skills

  • Contract Negotiation
  • Budget Management
  • Business Development
  • Company Representation
  • Strategic Visioning
  • Operations Oversight
  • Process Improvement
  • Revenue Growth
  • Policy Development
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Remote Team Management
  • Legislative Knowledge
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Leadership and People Development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Admissions

  • New York Bar Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
  • U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals

Certification

  • Active Secret-Level Security Clearance
  • UCMJ Certified Trial Counsel
  • Licensed New York & Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker


Hobbies

  • Salt water fishing
  • Electrical work
  • Weight lifting
  • Hiking
  • Skiing
  • Reading
  • Travel

Timeline

Senior Counsel, Corporate Governance

Westinghouse Electric Company
11.2022 - 01.2024

Director & Senior Counsel, Compliance & Governance

HarbisonWalker International
10.2018 - 11.2022

President

Simonds Holdings, LLC
09.2014 - Current

General Counsel & Human Resource Director

Western Pennsylvania Home Health Association
09.2014 - 10.2018

Attorney, Deputy Staff Judge Advocate

U.S. Air Force Reserve & PA Air National Guard
09.2014 - 03.2019

Attorney, Assistant Staff Judge Advocate

U.S Air Force JAG Corps
03.2011 - 09.2014

J.D. -

The George Washington University Law School

MBA -

Duquesne University School of Business

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science, Summa Cum Laude

Pace University Pforzheimer Honors College

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