Matt Mueller

Matt Mueller has spent his entire career protecting the rights of individuals and businesses who find themselves pitted against the government. He now serves as a key asset in high-profile matters for the firm’s nationwide political, free speech and election law practices, with a specific focus on contentious and consequential litigation. His practice includes both representing clients in proactively and strategically challenging government action, and responding to investigations and litigation initiated by the government.

Matt has represented businesses and individuals in a variety of industries including financial services, real estate, media, political consulting, and tax-exempt organizations, developing extensive and unique expertise in First Amendment litigation, election and campaign finance law, and defamation/anti-SLAPP litigation.

Matt is a member of the firm’s free speech and election law, commercial litigation, and white-collar criminal defense practice groups. A leader within the firm, he is also responsible for Graves Garrett Greim’s Summer Associate Program.

Matt’s notable work for clients includes:

• Represented clients through merits briefing, amicus briefs, and petitions for certiorari to United States Supreme Court, as well as merits and amicus briefing in appellate courts across the country
• Successfully prosecuted anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss defamation, false light, and tortious interference claims under Kansas Public Speech Protection Act resulting in dismissal with prejudice and award of attorney’s fees to client
• Successfully appealed denial of anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss under Texas Citizens’ Participation Act, resulting in dismissal of defamation claim with prejudice. The opposing party’s petition for review to the Texas Supreme Court was denied.
• Represented regulators in First Amendment challenge to securities disclosure rules
• Prevailed on summary judgment establishing state violations of National Voter Registration Act, resulting in permanent injunctive relief and award of attorney’s fees to client
• Prevailed in bench trial on behalf of plaintiff alleging First Amendment viewpoint discrimination claim where state government refused to provide records due to client’s political viewpoint and propensity to criticize state government’s functioning.
• Defended national bank system and prosecuted counterclaims in lawsuit alleging fraud in connection with SBA commercial loan, including successful motion for judgment on the pleadings and motion for summary judgment in advance of trial, resulting in multimillion dollar judgment in client’s favor
• Represented defendants in multiple bankruptcy adversary proceedings alleging fraudulent transfers, resulting in non-cash settlements
• Twice granted dismissal of trademark infringement lawsuit in Nevada federal court, leading to voluntary dismissal by plaintiff
• Following filing of motion to dismiss and to compel arbitration in a TCPA class action, plaintiff voluntarily dismissed case
• Prosecuted claims on behalf of insurance brokerage in multimillion dollar lawsuit against former employee for theft, fraud, and other torts resulting in favorable settlement
• Conducted extended internal investigation of large Missouri county regarding alleged misuse of public funds to support sales tax ballot measure
• Achieved outright dismissal of campaign finance complaint brought against client following extensive discussions and negotiations with Missouri Ethics Commission
• Developed nationwide strategic litigation plan on behalf of non-profit advocacy organization and litigated cases in multiple jurisdictions in furtherance of that plan.
• Regularly advises clients, including nonprofits, PACs, Super-PACs, etc. on campaign finance, gift, and related regulations
• Serves as outside general counsel to 501(c)(6) healthcare trade group advising on policy, compliance, and antitrust matters

Matt earned his law degree from the University of Missouri School of Law, where he participated in the Mizzou Law Veteran’s Clinic. In addition to advocating for veterans throughout the process of appealing denied claims, he helped write a petition for writ of certiorari to the United States Supreme Court.

While in law school, Matt was on the Dean’s List each semester while simultaneously developing practical experience working extensive hours at a local law firm.

Matt graduated magna cum laude from Truman State University, where he was named the Outstanding Undergraduate in Justice Systems. He is President of the Truman Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity alumni association.

An Eagle Scout, Matt enjoys traveling and being outdoors whenever possible.