Born in Traverse City, Michigan in 1980, Matt Conklin attended Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School, before pursuing a degree in Aviation Science and Administration at Western Michigan University. After graduating from WMU with high honors in 2003, Matt enrolled in the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2007. Following his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, Matt joined the Smit & Kragt law firm in St. Joseph and quickly developed skills and expertise in the evaluation and handling of worker’s compensation and Social Security disability claims. His past and present legal affiliations include the American Bar Association, the Berrien County Bar Association and the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association.

Besides his love of flying airplanes, Matt has also been an NCAA sports statistician for Western Michigan University. In 2006, he married his wife, Sarah, who teaches school in the Bridgman, Michigan public school system. Matt and Sarah live in St. Joseph and enjoy bicycling, reading and travel.