From Viral Sensation to Practicing Attorney: Matthew Graham Joins McNees
June 29, 2023
Press Releases
FREDERICK, Md. — (June 29, 2023) Matthew K. Graham has accomplished two things that few new attorneys can claim: He scored in the 94th percentile on his bar exam, and he recently became a viral media sensation for his exuberant reaction to that impressive feat.
Starting this week, Graham has another accomplishment to tout. He is now a practicing litigation attorney at McNees Wallace & Nurick’s Frederick office.
“This has been such a whirlwind few months for me and my family,” Graham said. “After the hard work to get here, it’s really a dream to be able to practice law right here in my hometown of Frederick for one of the region’s fastest-growing and most respected law firms.”
Graham made headlines this spring after a video of him opening the email with his bar results went viral on social media. The video has been widely shared, racking up millions of views, and has been featured in national media outlets – from major newspapers and magazines to morning shows and daytime talk programs.
He said he was most excited that he even passed the grueling exam and did not realize until moments later that he not only passed it, but scored an exceptional 309 out of 400, placing him in the 94th percentile nationally.
Graham earned his J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law’s evening program, graduating one semester early, attaining magna cum laude and finishing seventh in his class. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Towson University.
While in law school, he worked at Baltimore-area law firms, where he helped support litigation strategies for administrative hearings in front of the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission and Circuit Courts in Maryland.
He said he never expected his story would generate such an overwhelming response on social media and beyond.
“I’ve been so touched by all the kind words and positive reinforcement I’ve received from people all over the country,” Graham said. “I always knew the power of hard work and determination in making my own dreams come true, but it wasn’t until this experience that I realized the power I had to inspire others through my story. It’s truly a gift for which I’m eternally grateful.”
He officially started his career as a commercial litigation associate at McNees on June 26, joining a growing team in the firm’s Frederick office and bolstering the firm’s litigation group in Maryland.
“We are thrilled to have Matt join the McNees team here in Frederick,” said Paul D. Rose Jr., who leads the firm’s Frederick office. “With his impressive legal acumen and his passion for exceptional client service, he immediately adds value to our firm.”
Current and prospective clients may contact McNees Frederick office at 301-241-2030. For more information on the firm’s practice and attorneys, visit mcneeslaw.com.
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McNees is a multidisciplinary law firm founded in 1935 with more than 150 attorneys representing businesses, associations, institutions, municipalities and individuals. The firm serves clients worldwide from offices in Devon, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh, Scranton, State College and York, Pa.; Columbus, Ohio; Frederick and Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C. McNees is a member of the ALFA International Global Legal Network.
