Matthew focuses his practice on the representation of parties selling or purchasing real estate, will and trust planning as well as probate litigation. He also handles the majority of the firm’s loss mitigation cases, including short sales, loan modifications and reduced-payoff agreements. These experiences, in combination with his background in construction, provide Matthew with a unique perspective as your real estate attorney.

Working as a laborer for southwest suburban Gallagher and Henry Construction throughout high school and college sparked Matthew’s interest in pursuing a career in real estate. After obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Finance from Indiana University, Matthew supervised construction of single family residences for Northbrook-based Red Seal Homes. His last assignment as a construction supervisor found him working with a bankruptcy court appointed receiver, completing the work that a national homebuilder had left unfinished in the wake of the real estate market collapse. It was this experience that confirmed his desire to become an attorney.

Matthew graduated from John Marshall Law School in Chicago. His first position as an attorney after passing the bar involved prosecuting building code violations for the City of Chicago’s Building & License Enforcement Division. In 2011, Matthew joined with his father Robert’s law practice and decades of experience, and together they formed Claes & Claes, LTD.