Atty. Matthew David Rak

Atty. Matthew David Rak

Matt Rak works closely with clients to design practical plans addressing business succession, asset protection, and tax efficiency, as well as resolving family conflict. He brings an array of planning tools and strategies to elegantly resolve client conundrums both before and after death.

Erie Erie 22 yrs experience 22 year
Call (412) 253-4026 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Matthew David Rak at a glance

Matthew David Rak is a Partner based in Erie, Pennsylvania, practicing at Leech Tishman. They have 22+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2004. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, tax, and energy. Admitted to practice in West Virginia (2004), Pennsylvania (2009), and Ohio (2013). Educated at Catholic University of America (J.D., 2004) and Wheeling Jesuit University (B.S., 2001). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Erie, PA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Matt Rak works closely with clients to design practical plans addressing business succession, asset protection, and tax efficiency, as well as resolving family conflict
  • He brings an array of planning tools and strategies to elegantly resolve client conundrums both before and after death
  • Matt is also experienced in the varied aspects of estate and trust administration, including post-mortem tax planning and fiduciary liability
  • Matt is licensed in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania
  • Charitable Organization Experience • Catholic Cemeteries Association of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • • Former President and Director, current member of Finance Committee and reputation management • Catholic Family Security Association
  • Former Director • Pittsburgh Foundation
  • Professional Advisors Committee • Franklin Park Borough
  • Civil Service Commissioner
  • Former Judge of Elections • Wheeling Jesuit University
  • Former Development Board Member • Mental Health and Recovery Board of Belmont Harrison and Monroe Counties, Ohio
  • • Former Board Member • Outside General Counsel to charitable organizations • Charitable trust reformation and approval with Attorney General’s office and Orphans’ Court • Charitable trust management • Family reputation management and privacy protection • Private Foundation and Private Operating Foundation compliance through organization life cycle, including terminations • Tax-Exempt Status rehabilitation and excise tax management • Advise charities and donors regarding development and cultivating planned gifts • Draft and negotiate Naming rights agreements for both donees and donors • Draft guides for charities regarding effective planned giving techniques • Asset protection and wealth management strategies • Dynasty trusts focused on long-term sustainability using real estate and business interests • Pre-transaction planning for business owners encountering liquidity events and business exits

Practice Areas Explained

Matthew David Rak's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Matthew David Rak handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

Matthew David Rak is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Probate

Matthew David Rak is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Estate Planning & Probate

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

Matthew David Rak is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Tax Law

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.

Matthew David Rak is one of 85,302 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Energy & Utilities Law

Energy attorneys for oil & gas, renewables, utility regulation, and energy sector transactions.

Matthew David Rak is one of 36,230 energy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse energy attorneys in Pennsylvania →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Pennsylvania

Practicing law in Pennsylvania. Legal matters in Pennsylvania are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Erie are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Pennsylvania state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Pennsylvania brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Pennsylvania courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Pennsylvania attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Erie or all attorneys in Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Matthew David Rak

Where is Matthew David Rak's law office located?
Matthew David Rak's law practice is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. The firm is Leech Tishman. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Matthew David Rak handle?
Matthew David Rak focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, tax, energy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Pennsylvania.
How long has Matthew David Rak practiced law?
Matthew David Rak has 22+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 2004.
Where did Matthew David Rak go to law school?
Matthew David Rak earned their education at (J.D., 2004); (B.S., 2001).
How can I contact Matthew David Rak for a consultation?
You can contact Matthew David Rak directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Matthew David Rak received?
Matthew David Rak's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Education

J.D.
Catholic University of America
- 2004
B.S.
Wheeling Jesuit University
- 2001

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

West Virginia
Admitted: 2004
Pennsylvania
Admitted: 2009
Ohio
Admitted: 2013

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