Matthew L. Classens was born in Traverse City, Michigan and is a graduate of Traverse City St. Francis High School. He graduated from Michigan State University - James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2001 and received his Juris Doctorate degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2005. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association and a member of the Grand Traverse - Leelanau - Antrim County Bar Association. His practice areas include civil litigation, business/corporate law, real estate, state regulations, and oil and gas law. Mr. Classens also provides comprehensive Governmental Affairs Representation dealing with state and local legislative and appropriation issues.

Mr. Classens' community involvement includes being a member of the 2006-2007 Leadership Grand Traverse class and he is involved with the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Sub - Committee.