Biography

PROVEN EXPERIENCE AND RESCUES

  • Matthew Van Horn is an experienced North Carolina attorney whose practice focuses on helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate complex legal matters with practical, strategic counsel. As the founder of Van Horn Law Firm, he is committed to providing personalized representation, thoughtful advocacy, and results-driven legal solutions tailored to each client's unique needs.

    Matthew earned his Bachelor of Arts from Hampden-Sydney College before obtaining both his Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of Tulsa, where he served as an editor of the Tulsa Journal of Comparative & International Law. Prior to returning to North Carolina, he practiced at a large law firm in Washington, D.C.'s historic Watergate Building, where he gained valuable experience representing clients in a broad range of legal matters.

    Matthew is admitted to practice law in North Carolina and before multiple federal courts, including the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. In 2026, he was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, joining a distinguished group of attorneys authorized to practice before the nation's highest court.

    In addition to his legal practice, Matthew serves on the North Carolina Psychology Board through a gubernatorial appointment. He is also a court-appointed arbitrator and an active member of several professional legal organizations. His commitment to professional excellence, public service, and client-centered advocacy reflects the values that define Van Horn Law Firm.


  • Brianna Clarida is a Legal Intern at Van Horn Law Firm with a strong interest in family law and alternative dispute resolution. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brianna hopes to use her academic background to better understand and support clients while helping families navigate difficult legal matters through mediation and collaborative approaches.

    Her passion for serving others is rooted in her experience as a Crisis Counselor, where she has worked with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and those affected by abusive relationships. These experiences have reinforced her commitment to advocating for clients with compassion, empathy, and professionalism.

    Outside of her work at the firm, Brianna is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta, serves as a discipleship group leader at The Summit Church, and volunteers at UNC Children's Hospital. She is also on track to become a Buckley Public Service Scholar, an honor recognizing students who complete more than 300 hours of community service.

    Through her internship at Van Horn Law Firm, Brianna is gaining practical legal experience while developing the skills necessary to become a thoughtful and effective advocate for clients. She is committed to serving others with integrity and looks forward to a career dedicated to helping individuals and families through challenging transitions.


  • Clayton is a Paralegal at Van Horn Law Firm. He went to the University of California, Santa Cruz where he received his bachelor's degree in Politics, with a minor in Legal Studies. Professionally, Clayton has years of experience drafting legal documents, organizing sensitive case files, and preparing exhibits. He is interested in complex business litigation and the evolution of legal theory. Clayton hopes to attend law school and continue serving clients.

  • Joshua Bas is a legal intern at Van Horn Law Firm. He earned his undergraduate degree in Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor at Campbell Law School, where he will serve on the Campbell Law Review.

    At Van Horn Law Firm, Joshua has gained hands-on experience in the firm's business law practice, working alongside experienced attorneys on a variety of legal matters. Through this experience, he has developed an appreciation for providing thoughtful, practical legal guidance tailored to each client's unique needs.

    Outside of the office, Joshua is passionate about serving his community. He volunteers with his church's youth group and mentors a group of young men, reflecting his commitment to leadership, service, and investing in others. Joshua looks forward to continuing to grow as an advocate while helping clients navigate complex legal issues with professionalism and integrity.

MATTHEW I. VAN HORN BIOGRAPHY

A simple black and white icon of a closed book with some lines on the cover.

EDUCATION

Hampden-Sydney College, B.A., 1994

  • University of Tulsa, J.D., 1999
    Tulsa Journal of Comparative & International Law, Editor

  • University of Tulsa, M.B.A., 1999

Pixel art depiction of a gray and white character with a key inside a square, set against a black background.

BAR AND COURT ADMISSIONS

State Bar of North Carolina

  • All North Carolina United States District Courts

  • United States District Court for the North District of Oklahoma

  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

Black and white icon of a hammer with a rounded handle.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS/CIVIC ACTIVITIES

Appointed by the Governor of North Carolina to the North Carolina Psychology Board, Board Member (2013 –present)

  • Court ordered arbitor for North Carolina court ordered district court arbitrations

  • Member of North Carolina State Bar Fee Dispute Resolution Program

  • Member of Wake County Bar Association

Icon of a person in the center surrounded by four smaller person icons, representing a group or team.

Schmeltzer Aptaker Shepard (n/k/a Gray Plant Mooty)
The Watergate Building—Suite 700
Washington, DC 20037

  • The Gary Richardson Law Firm
    7447 South Lewis
    Tulsa, OK 74137

PREVIOUS  LEGAL EXPERIENCE

READY TO GET STARTED?

Get In Touch