MINNEAPOLIS, MN  (June 4, 2009) – Gray Plant Mooty is pleased to announce that Matthew J. Shea has joined the firm’s Minneapolis office as a principal practicing in its Trust, Estate & Charitable Planning group. His focus is in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, and estate and trust administration.

“Matt brings a wonderful mix of legal expertise and communication skills to our clients. His work in the community and with the bar furthers our commitment to the families we represent,” says Ann Burns, chair of GPM’s Trust, Estate & Charitable Planning group. “Our practice group works with families and their advisors to prepare and administer estate plans that pass on family values, provide for the care and support of family members and friends, transition family businesses, and benefit charities, all while minimizing tax consequences. We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our team.”

Shea specializes in working with business owners, dentists, and physicians to address their unique estate planning issues. He assists clients in achieving their estate planning goals and guides families through the estate settlement and administration process after they have lost a loved one. He also helps families establish a legacy in the community through charitable planning and giving.

“After three years at another Twin Cities law firm, the pull to rejoin many of my former Rider Bennett colleagues at Gray Plant Mooty proved too much,” says Shea. “Gray Plant Mooty has one of the largest estate planning practices in the region, and I look forward to introducing my clients to the range of services that we can provide.”

Shea earned his J.D., cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Winona State University. He is currently an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Law where he teaches a class on wills and trusts.