Matthew D. Ritter
Partner
Matthew Ritter is chair of Shipman's Public Finance Practice Group, where he focuses on public finance, municipal law and election law. Matt serves as bond counsel for a number of Connecticut municipalities and taxing districts. He has significant experience in the preparation of documentation and determination of tax-exempt status of bond issues, and coordination of the activities relative to the authorization and issuance of municipal bonds and notes. Matt regularly counsels clients on matters involving issuance and sale of general obligation, revenue, fixed rate, variable rate, refunding and credit enhanced obligations. Matt also works with school districts on finance and election issues.
In 2010, Matt was elected as the State Representative for the 1st Assembly District covering parts of Hartford. In January 2023, Matt was unanimously elected by his peers to serve a second term as Speaker of the House of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Prior to being elected Speaker of the House, Matt served as the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives from 2017 through 2021. In 2007, Matt was elected to Hartford, Connecticut's Court of Common Council and received the most votes in the Hartford Municipal election.
Credentials
Education
- Colby College, B.A., 2004, magna cum laude, Pi Sigma Alpha Honors Society
- University of Connecticut School of Law, J.D., 2007, with honors
Bar Admissions
- Connecticut
Distinctions
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Municipal Law (2025)
- Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer Rising Star®: Bonds/Government Finance (2011, 2014); Government Finance (2015-2017)
- Hartford Business Journal, “Power 50 List” (2022-2024)
- Hartford Business Journal, 40 Under Forty (2014)
- Connecticut Law Review, Editorial Board
- Graduates of the Last Decade Award: University of Connecticut School of Law Alumni Association (2018)
Professional Affiliations
- Connecticut Bar Association: Legislative Liaison for the Young Lawyers Section (2008-2009); Municipal Law Committee, Co-Chair for the Young Lawyers Section (2009-2010)
- National Association of Bond Lawyers
- Connecticut Government Finance Officers Association
Community Involvement
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford: Board of Directors
- St. Francis Hospital: Corporator
- Hartford Hospital: Corporator