Matthew James Norton, Business Attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Business, General, and Real Estate · 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
PartneratK&L Gates LLP
Charleston, SC
Practicing business in Charleston since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Matthew James Norton?
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Quick answer
Matthew James Norton is a partner based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Real Estate. Matthew has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Charleston, SC
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Business · General · Real Estate
- Handles Business, General, and Real Estate matters from Charleston, SC.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Matthew James Norton: Matthew James Norton is a partner based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Real Estate. Matthew has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew James Norton
Matthew concentrates on business, general, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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General
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Business cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Matthew takes business matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Matthew takes general matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Matthew takes real estate matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Charleston, South Carolina
Matthew takes zoning matters in Charleston, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew James Norton — Over 35 years of South Carolina business experience
Matthew James Norton is a partner based in Charleston, SC. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Real Estate. Matthew has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at K&L Gates LLP. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Matthew James Norton is a lawyer practicing business, antitrust / trade law, land use / zoning and 2 other areas of law. Matthew received a A.B. degree from Dartmouth College in 1983, and has been licensed for 35 years. Matthew practices at K&L Gates LLP in Charleston, SC.
Matthew's approach to business cases
Matthew James Norton is a lawyer practicing business, antitrust / trade law, land use / zoning and 2 other areas of law. Matthew received a A.B. degree from Dartmouth College in 1983, and has been licensed for 35 years. Matthew practices at K&L Gates LLP in Charleston, SC.
Clients Matthew works with
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and real estate matters in Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Matthew James Norton's legal education and bar admissions
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1991
Dartmouth College
A.B. · 1983
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
New York
2016 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1991 · ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and A.B. in Dartmouth College.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and A.B. in Dartmouth College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Matthew James Norton
Matthew has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Matthew's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association (Member, Sections on: Business Law Real Property and Probate Sections) South Carolina Bar
membership
Locations
Matthew James Norton's office in Charleston
Matthew's primary office is at 134 Meeting St., Ste. 500, Charleston, SC, 29401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew James Norton — 4.9/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Matthew. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Charleston.
4.9
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Matthew James Norton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Matthew James Norton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Charleston, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew James Norton
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Charleston?
Matthew is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new business clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Charleston, Columbia and Greenville in South Carolina
Matthew handles business matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in South Carolina
If Matthew's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Charleston handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





