Matt was raised in an oil and gas family in Farmington, New Mexico. A graduate of Rutgers College and University of Colorado Law School, Matt previously practiced oil and gas law for several years as a senior associate with a mid-sized firm in Denver working for several of the largest operators in Colorado.  

Other past positions include an internship with the United States Department of the Interior, a student-attorney with the American Indian Law Clinic at CU Law, and service as an assistant to Professor David H. Getches with respect to water law issues. Matt is a graduate of Rutgers University, and obtained his law degree from the University of Colorado Law School.