Matthew B. Klapper brings nearly two decades of high-level government leadership experience, including in the seniormost ranks of the United States Department of Justice and on Capitol Hill, to his work as Co-Chair of both the Congressional Investigations Practice and Global Crisis Management and Strategic Risk Practice. Matt guides clients through high-stakes and complex crisis situations that span civil, criminal, and regulatory exposure, including congressional investigations, DOJ enforcement actions, and multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Matt applies his strategic judgment, extensive crisis management experience, ability to harmonize legal and communications imperatives, robust understanding of the workings of the legislative and executive branches, and his broad bipartisan network to help companies, boards, and executives manage complex challenges. He counsels clients on identifying and mitigating risk, preparing for public testimony, and navigating high-profile, often media-intensive investigations and litigation.
He most recently held the role of Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the Attorney General at the United States Department of Justice, where he oversaw the Attorney General’s office, led crisis management and congressional strategy, advised on major civil, criminal, and national security matters, and helped manage the Department’s 115,000-person workforce. As one of the longest-serving chiefs of staff in Department history, Matt was instrumental in steering the Department through complex matters and congressional scrutiny. Matt is a recipient of the Edmund J. Randoph Award, the Department’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals who have made an “outstanding contribution” to the DOJ’s mission.
Before joining DOJ, Matt was a long-serving Chief of Staff in the United States Senate, where he led oversight, policy, and communications strategy for United States Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ). He also served as Chief Policy Advisor for the City of Newark, New Jersey and worked on local, statewide, and national campaigns. Early in his career, Matt worked as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician in his home state of New Jersey.
During his tenure in the US Senate and Department of Justice, Matt has gained extensive experience both conducting and defending against government oversight efforts. He has led the preparation of multiple senior officials for high-stakes Congressional hearings and media appearances, including the Senate confirmation hearing for Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Senator Booker’s five nationally televised debates during the 2020 US presidential Democratic primaries.
Matt’s unique background spanning the breadth of the Department of Justice’s mission, legislative strategy, investigations, communications, and executive leadership gives clients an insider’s perspective on the intersection of law, politics, and policy.
Matt "garnered a reputation as a gregarious personality with credibility across the aisle," with a colleague describing him as someone "you want in your corner when things are moving fast and hard decisions have to be made.
Business Insider
Credentials
Service / Recognition
Overview
Matthew B. Klapper brings nearly two decades of high-level government leadership experience, including in the seniormost ranks of the United States Department of Justice and on Capitol Hill, to his work as Co-Chair of both the Congressional Investigations Practice and Global Crisis Management and Strategic Risk Practice. Matt guides clients through high-stakes and complex crisis situations that span civil, criminal, and regulatory exposure, including congressional investigations, DOJ enforcement actions, and multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional investigations.
Matt applies his strategic judgment, extensive crisis management experience, ability to harmonize legal and communications imperatives, robust understanding of the workings of the legislative and executive branches, and his broad bipartisan network to help companies, boards, and executives manage complex challenges. He counsels clients on identifying and mitigating risk, preparing for public testimony, and navigating high-profile, often media-intensive investigations and litigation.
He most recently held the role of Chief of Staff and Senior Counselor to the Attorney General at the United States Department of Justice, where he oversaw the Attorney General’s office, led crisis management and congressional strategy, advised on major civil, criminal, and national security matters, and helped manage the Department’s 115,000-person workforce. As one of the longest-serving chiefs of staff in Department history, Matt was instrumental in steering the Department through complex matters and congressional scrutiny. Matt is a recipient of the Edmund J. Randoph Award, the Department’s highest honor, which recognizes individuals who have made an “outstanding contribution” to the DOJ’s mission.
Before joining DOJ, Matt was a long-serving Chief of Staff in the United States Senate, where he led oversight, policy, and communications strategy for United States Senator Cory A. Booker (D-NJ). He also served as Chief Policy Advisor for the City of Newark, New Jersey and worked on local, statewide, and national campaigns. Early in his career, Matt worked as a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician in his home state of New Jersey.
During his tenure in the US Senate and Department of Justice, Matt has gained extensive experience both conducting and defending against government oversight efforts. He has led the preparation of multiple senior officials for high-stakes Congressional hearings and media appearances, including the Senate confirmation hearing for Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and Senator Booker’s five nationally televised debates during the 2020 US presidential Democratic primaries.
Matt’s unique background spanning the breadth of the Department of Justice’s mission, legislative strategy, investigations, communications, and executive leadership gives clients an insider’s perspective on the intersection of law, politics, and policy.
Matt "garnered a reputation as a gregarious personality with credibility across the aisle," with a colleague describing him as someone "you want in your corner when things are moving fast and hard decisions have to be made.
Business Insider
Areas of Focus
Credentials
Admissions
- District of Columbia
- New Jersey
Education
- Yale Law School, JD
- University of Pennsylvania, BA, History and Political Science
Court Admissions
- US Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
- US District Court, District of New Jersey
- US Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit
Service / Recognition
Awards
- Capitol Pro Bono High Honor Roll, 2025
- Lawdragon 500 Global Leaders in Crisis Management, 2025-2026
- United States Department of Justice Edmund J Randolph Award, the Department’s highest award for “outstanding contributions to the accomplishments of the Department’s mission”, 2025