Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Pineda.
Hi Matthew, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a graduate of Duke University School of Law where I received my LL.M. Degree in Law & Entrepreneurship from Duke. I also obtained an LL.M. Degree in Taxation Law from the University of Miami School of Law. In addition to my Tax LL.M., I also graduated from Miami Law with a certificate in International Tax. I attended the Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where I earned my Juris Doctor (J.D.) Degree. At NSU Law, I was named a Leo F. Goodwin, Sr. Scholar, and received a full tuition merit scholarship for the duration of my law school studies. I was also a recipient of the Excellence for the Future Award and multiple Dean’s List Honors during law school. I received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami. At the University of Miami he I named a Henry King Stanford Scholar and received academic honors in eight consecutive semesters. During my undergraduate studies at “The U’, I was also a proud and dedicated team member of the University of Miami Men’s Rowing Team. I attended Bishop Moore High School in Orlando, Florida.
I have received Martindale-Hubbell’s esteemed “AV Preeminent” rating, which recognizes lawyers with the highest ethical standards and professional ability. This is the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell and is based on random, confidential surveys of lawyers. I have also been recognized as a Premier Lawyers of America “Top 40 Under 40” attorney, and a Legal Elite, Up & Comer by Florida Trend Magazine.
Prior to opening my own law practice, I served as an associate attorney at law firms in both Florida and North Carolina. At these firms I gained experience as both a zealous advocate for individual people and consumers, and as a litigator for large banking and financial institutions. I am happy to be back home in Central Florida.
I am a faculty member for National Business Institute (NBI), lecturing for Continuing Education classes for other lawyers on the topics of Probate and Estate Planning. I am honored to currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida and Sports 4 the Kids. I previously served on the Board of Directors of the Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida. The Mothers’ Milk Bank of Florida’s mission is to improve health and promote healing by collecting, processing, and distributing pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable babies when milk from the baby’s own mother is not available. I also previously served as a member of the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee, as volunteer interviewer of Duke applicants in the Central Florida area. I proudly serve on the Board of the “Orlando ‘Canes”, which is the Orlando Area Chapter of the University of Miami Alumni Association.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest struggle was when I first opened my own practice eight years ago. I started with zero clients, and had to make the transition from being a lawyer to being a lawyer/entrepreneur. As my practice has grown, I have learned many lessons along the way about what fits best for me, my firm, and my clients. Every day is an adventure, and I love continuing to learn how to best serve my clients.
We’ve been impressed with Pineda Law, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I concentrate in Estates. This includes estate planning (preparing trusts, wills, and powers of attorney) and also probate. Probate is the court process by which the assets of someone that has passed away is transferred to his or her heirs. I am happy to serve a broad range of clients, and I don’t believe only the highest net worth of folks should have estate planning done. Planning for death and incapacity is something everyone should consider and have access to. I charge flat fees that and try to keep my fees as reasonable as possible. I am most proud of the clients that have taken time to review me and my firm across multiple platforms on the internet. I am thankful for every client I have, and I work hard at initial consultations to make clients comfortable with the planning process.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Best: I love that we are a destination. This is a place where people want to visit, and after a few visits we get a lot of folks that decide to move here as well. We are a growing community, which we should not take for granted. I moved to the Orlando area when I was 13. I am originally from the Northeast and have seen what happens when cities begin to lose population. We are very lucky Orlando is such a desirable place for living, working, and having fun!
Worst: We are so close to another great American city in Tampa, but getting there is so difficult! Let’s get that Brightline extended. I take the Brightline down to South Florida for University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University football and basketball games regularly, and it is a great form of transportation.
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