Paige Macdonald-Matthes Featured in Civitas

Obermayer partner Paige Macdonald-Matthes was featured in Widener University’s Magazine, Civitas, where she talked about her law school experiences. The original article can be accessed here.

A LAW SCHOOL ROMANCE

Paige Macdonald and Steve Matthes were among the members of the first full-time program at Widener Law Commonwealth. When they arrived on campus in August 1989, they had no idea how much their lives were about to change. The two met early in that first semester at a happy hour organized by classmates. Each had different areas of law they wanted to study. Macdonald-Matthes was interested in civil litigation. Matthes loved history and government and applied to the school when he learned it would have a concentration in government law. While pursuing different legal careers, the couple would later marry.

Macdonald-Matthes, an equity partner at Obermayer, Rebmann Maxwell and Hippel, LLP, works in the firm’s Harrisburg office. She has the practice she always wanted, focusing on civil litigation, including real estate litigation and recent pipeline litigation in both state and federal court.

“I went into law school knowing what I wanted, to go into the courtroom and think creatively,” she said. “I enjoy thinking on my feet and love the challenge of getting to know every new client and assignment that comes in.”

Steve Matthes has served as chief counsel with the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General for the past 13 years. Prior to his position in state government, he worked at several private general practice law firms in the Harrisburg and York areas. The couple agreed that there was extra pressure on the first graduating class to set a high standard.

“There were unique opportunities that came with being a member of the first class,” Macdonald-Matthes said. “Many people worked in the legislature, and several classmates were state representatives. Along with being academically challenged, we were able to make connections for our careers and also many personal lifelong friendships.”

“It’s a tribute to the school that everywhere you turn in the capitol you’re running into a Widener Law grad,” Matthes said. “When I’m looking for a student for an internship, I look for Widener students. They work harder, have a better work ethic, and have a good, fundamental understanding of legal skills.”

Paige concentrates her practice in commercial, business, and real estate litigation. She has litigated a wide range of commercial contract and liability issues including construction litigation, enforcement of non-compete clauses, lease disputes, as well as other various complex litigation matters in state courts and in federal district and bankruptcy courts.

Paige was named one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women In Business by The Business Journals of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. She has also been recognized as one of Central Pennsylvania’s Forty Under Forty by the Central Penn Business Journal. Learn more about Page and her practice here.