Meet Our Team

A counsel who truly understands your business.

Matthew Markel brings a rare combination of engineering, commercial leadership, and legal training to his work as outside general counsel. Before founding Matthew Markel Attorney At Law, he spent more than two decades in the manufacturing and industrial sectors, leading large procurement, operations, and engineering teams for global companies. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Indirect Procurement for Smurfit WestRock, overseeing more than $7 billion in annual spend across energy, capital equipment, MRO, construction, IT, and corporate services.

His technical foundation began with a mechanical engineering degree from Michigan Technological University, followed by operational and sourcing roles in mills, manufacturing plants, and global project environments. Matthew deepened his commercial discipline with an MBA from Purdue University and ESCP in Paris, and later earned his law degree with a focus on business law and dispute resolution.

This combination of technical insight, commercial experience, and legal analysis shapes how he advises clients today. Matthew helps owners and operators understand their options clearly, negotiate from a position of strength, and document agreements that reflect how the work is actually done. Clients value his ability to bridge the gap between operations, finance, and legal requirements while keeping communication clear and practical.

Outside the office, Matthew is active in his community and previously served two terms on the Brighten Academy Governing Board, including as Treasurer and later President. He enjoys upland bird hunting, spending time outdoors with his two German Shorthaired Pointers, and refining the craft of Texas-style brisket.

Awards & Professional Credentials

• Professional Licensure & Legal Training
• Admitted, State Bar of Georgia (No. 464628)
• Comparative International Law, Greenwich University, London
• Juris Doctor, Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Business & Technical Certifications

• Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.), Institute for Supply Management
• Karrass Negotiation Training

Leadership & Community

• Brighten Academy Governing Board, Treasurer (2011–2015)
• Brighten Academy Governing Board, President (2018–2023)
• Pacesetter Award, Brighten Academy (2021–2022)

Additional Experience & Interests

• International project work across Europe, Asia, and South America
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training
• Avid quail and pheasant hunter