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Matthew John Bergstrom

Trusts Attorney at Fairfax, VA

4.8   16 reviews
  • State Years
    California - CA 3 years
    Dist. of Columbia - DC 12 years
    Virginia - VA 13 years
    Michigan - MI 24 years
  • Licensed for 3 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2020
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 12 years
    State DC
    Acquired 2011
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 13 years
    State VA
    Acquired 2010
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 24 years
    State MI
    Acquired 1999
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Corporate and incorporation
    20%
    Business incorporation and registrations. We help startups, multinational corporations, and various international transactions.

  2. Estate planning
    20%

  3. Limited liability company (LLC)
    20%

  4. Trusts
    20%
    Specializing in estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, medical directives and more. A leader in the field of estate planning for nontraditional assets, including firearms, art, antiques, pets, etc.

  5. Wills and living wills
    20%

Mr. Bergstrom is the founder of the general practice law firm Bergstrom Attorneys PLLC. The firm serves clients in the area of estate planning, LLCs, contracts, leases, landlord-tenant disputes, civil litigation, personal injury, securities, blockchain, and more. The firm's main office is located in Arlington, VA, and it has satellite offices in Washington, DC, Chevy Chase, MD, and Fairfax, VA. The firm also includes 20 attorneys licensed to serve clients in over 40 states. Mr. Bergstrom has taught legal education for the American Bar Association and the Federal Bar Association, including his recent webinar for the FBA, "Introduction to Blockchain Technology and the Challenges in Advising Clients."  Mr. Bergstrom's work in estate planning for nontraditional assets was featured in the Wall Street Journal.

 

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Mr. Bergstrom is the founder of the general practice law firm Bergstrom Attorneys PLLC.
10521 Judicial Dr
#200
Fairfax, VA, 22030

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
6%
Posted by Richard | November 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
TOP NOTCH!
Was very impressed with my experience with him. Very professional, and handled my situation expertly!! Would HIGHLY recommend him! It isn't often I need legal counsel, but it is good to know I can count on his service and expertise, and wouldn't hesitate to use again. Estate planning was painlessly simple including setting up a Trust for all of my needs. Definitely on my "GO TO" list if future needs arise. Handled questions afterwards and I feel confident and assured with my results. Well done!
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Posted by Jeff | August 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Pleased with Bergstrom Services
I've worked with Matt for several years now and would recommend his services to anyone--whether it is for myself or for my clients. He has always stepped up and helped out whenever myself or my clients have had any issues. Thanks Matt!
Posted by Alexandra | June 13, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great Experience!
I had a great experience with Bergstrom Attorneys. I give them 5 stars and recommend them to anyone in VA/MD/DC. They answered all my questions and gave me great advice!
Posted by Scott | June 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing professionals that do it all!
I've known these attorneys for years, and they have consistently provided me valuable legal counsel. I prefer to consult an attorney before I need one, and Bergstrom Attorneys have ensured all my ducks are in a row for my professional and personal matters
Posted by Jon | March 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellant Service
I first contacted Mr. Bergstrom two years ago about forming a trust for my weapons purchases. He was very knowledgeable on the subject and walked me through the entire process. His staff worked with me to get it done. I was very pleased with the service his firm provided and the costs were in line with the service I received. They have been easy to contact and quick to reply what more can you ask, this firm has been the exception in dealing with lawyers. I will continue to use them in the future Respectfully, Jon P. Clancy Client
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Posted by Alexander | January 14, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Fast, straightforward service
Couldn't be happier with the transaction to execute my Basic Arsenal Trust. The web form used to create a basic trust was not complicated. It was easy to name my additional trustees (which i was worried about). All in all it took me about 15 minutes. VERY happy...wish I'd done this sooner.
Posted by dana | December 24, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
nfa trust
found the staff at arsenal attorneys when first contacted very pleasant and efficient.the process was made painless thanks to Mr. Bergstrom .the nfa trust came pretty quick and at less than half the price of other attorneys i checked with.now the wait with feds is all the thats left.thank you to arsenal attorneys i found someone i will use again and highly recommend.
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Response from Matthew Bergstrom December 28, 2015
Thank you for posting this review. It's a pleasure to serve our clients.
Posted by Rob | August 6, 2015
Excellent service
This team was very professional, service was outstanding and timing was fast. I received a quality product as advertised. I would definitely recommend them and use them again if I need another Trust put together. The optional turn key package was well worth the money.
Response from Matthew Bergstrom August 6, 2015
Thank you, Rob. It's a pleasure to serve you.
Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2015
Store Owner
Matt is an amazing attorney. He is always there when we need him and he is constantly working to ensure we are in the position we need to be.
Posted by anonymous | August 21, 2014
Outstanding Services
I was interested in setting up a Trust to get a suppressor and SBR, and I contacted Mr. Bergstrom after receiving high recommendations from a local gun shop in Manassas. I did my trust with Matt, and immediately signed up for a Form 1 e-file and form 4 paper with the ATF. My E-File was approved in just 7 weeks thanks to Matt's awesome work with my trust, and my form 4 is probably following suit soon. Mr. Bergstrom was worth the investment, and I would recommend him for anyone that wants to establish an NFA trust.
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Posted by Ron | April 24, 2014
An Attorney who will FAR EXCEED even one's highest expectations!
I used Mr. Bergstrom to set up a gun trust. My situation was complex having been a former CIII dealer w/numerous Pre-86 D.S. guns, with a CIII firearm in my Father's possession who lives in another state which I wanted in the Trust, etc. Mr. Bergstrom went far out of his way to assist me in every way possible. There were numerous instances when I emailed him with a question on a weekend assuming that I'd have his reply on Monday only to have a reply w/in a couple of hours - service far beyond my expectations. In addition to great service Mr. Bergstrom is extremely knowledgeable. Given my excellent experience with Mr. Bergstrom I recommended him to my best friend, also a former CIII. He too received outstanding serviced and was very pleased. I can say w/o any reservations that the service which I received from Mr. Bergstrom FAR exceeded my execrations. I HIGHLY recommend Mr. Bergstrom! I am absolutely confident that you will be most pleased with his service.
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Posted by Chas | April 24, 2014
Best in the Business for NFA Trusts!
Matt was recommended to me by my local firearms dealer. His process is very thorough and made me feel like I was dealing with someone who had my interests in mind, not just a paycheck. At the completion on the NFA Trust process, I received a Trust that is very easy to use and all contained in one binder to make the paper trail contained. I will definitely be recommending Matt to my friends!
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Posted by Sterling Arsenal | April 18, 2014
Sterling Arsenal Works & Tactical Supply, LLC | www.sterlingarsenal.com
Matthew is a tested and proven asset to our business. As a legal resource he and his firm provide timely and actionable counsel at the right degree of breadth and depth. As an industry partner, our engagements are always positive and yield beneficial results to our customers. Matthew is collegial and approachable, demonstrating his expertise within our industry, he actively listens and understands customer concerns, always taking individual customer circumstances into account.
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Posted by Seth | April 17, 2014
So much more than what you pay for
Matthew and his team set the standard for this type of work. Beyond merely setting up your trust, Matthew is available for follow on questions (useful for the newbie) and all sorts of advice. I was new to the whole family trust thingy and I began to feel guilty I consumed so much of Matthew's time explaining every scenario I could come up with, and over time. I feel as though I've gained a trusted friend and confidant - not just a lawyer. That says a lot considering what they say about lawyers! It says even more about Matthew. Definitely recommend.
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Posted by Stephen | April 17, 2014
Great Lawyer
I have used Mr. Bergstrom’s services, through Arsenal Attorneys, on a number of occasions related to the purchase, ownership and estate planning for various firearms using an Arsenal Gun Trust. I recommend Matthew and his staff without reservation.
Posted by Josh | June 12, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Firm full of liars and question-dodgers
Grade-A liars and question-dodgers. Asked for a consultation through a work benefits program that gives me free access to an attorney so that one of their real estate attorneys would review my closing documents for a property I was buying in Texas - however, the transaction was occurring 100% in Virginia. Their legal assistant, Charlotte, repeatedly lied to me, saying first that she would get me a consultation, and later that they couldn't help because the property was in Texas; knowing this was false since the transaction was happening in VA, I asked for a Virginia State Bar regulation that prohibited their attorney from assisting. She failed to provide one after being directly asked to do so and instead said that the property being in Texas meant that their attorney was not permitted to review the documents. My assumption is that the work benefits program I was using tends to pay very little, so they probably invented a BS excuse to not have to do the work for low pay. 0/5 on customer service, 0/5 on honesty, avoid at all costs.
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Response from Matthew Bergstrom June 13, 2017
Mr. Edgar, I'm sorry for the frustration. For your contract to purchase Texas real estate, we recommended you protect yourself by using a Texas licensed lawyer knowledgeable in that state's real estate law. Regardless of your domicile in Virginia, the subject matter of your transaction is Texas real estate, thus your best interests and the rules of professional ethics would require a Texas attorney. Our receptionist is not an attorney, and as a matter of policy she presents inquiries to our firm's various lawyers to determine if any have the appropriate licenses and expertise for the prospective client. Our receptionist cannot and should not make those decisions herself concerning legal matters and lawyer's qualifications. Our Arlington office does include lawyers licensed in at least five jurisdictions and handling a wide variety of legal issues; however, in your case we did advise you to seek a Texas lawyer. Our policy is to serve clients within our areas of expertise and subject to the professional rules of conduct. We have no other reason to turn away your business. We appreciate your inquiry, and we are sorry to disappoint you. Nevertheless, we are happy to point you into a better direction for your own protection.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 225-450 per hour
  • Pro bono 5 %
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.9 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Founder and Managing Attorney
  • Bergstrom Attorneys PLLC / Arsenal Attorneys
  • 2010 - Present
  • Advisor
  • Carver Cross
  • 2009 - 2014
  • Consultant
  • DuPont
  • 2003 - 2010
  • Consultant
  • Carver Cross Investments
  • 1999 - 2003
  • Lawyer
  • Gilbert, Segall & Young
  • 1999 - 1999
  • Legal Intern
  • Almgren & Sankamo
  • 1996 - 1997
View all work experience

Education

  • Helsinki School of Economics
  • MBA
  • 1999
  • Indiana University School of Law
  • JD
  • 1997
  • Michigan State University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1994

Legal Cases

  • Elizabeth B. - Constitutional Challenge
  • Success
  • Wright v. DC
  • Successful
  • Restoration of Firearms Rights
  • Rights Were Restored

Associations

  • Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 2012 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Russian

Honors and Awards

  • Volunteer of the Year
  • EDVAFNRA
  • 2016
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2014
  • Executive Editor, Federal Communications Law Journal
  • Federal Communications Bar Association
  • 1997
  • International Fellowship
  • Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • 1996
  • Elliot Lewis Law Scholarship
  • Indiana University Maurer School of Law
  • 1996
View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (17)
Given (19)
Endorse Matthew
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have referred many clients to Matthew Bergstrom over the years for Trusts and Estates work. I have found him to be very knowledgeable in the area and able to speak to the clients in a manner they understand. He has the ability to explain complicated concepts in a simple and straight-forward manner. On top of that, he is constantly offering to help in the local community and is an asset to legal profession."
Corporate and incorporation Attorney | Aug 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matthew has exceptionally broad knowledge and experience in the areas of Trust, Criminal Defense and Corporate Law. Matthew is focused, determined, and dedicated to achieving the best results for his clients. He serves his clients with the utmost in professionalism and integrity. ."
Trusts Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Matthew is an excellent attorney who has a true mastery of the information critical to his field. His great professionalism and candor make him an asset to his clients. Whether protecting yourself and your family with a trust or looking for an advocate for your defense, Matthew Bergstrom is an excellent choice. Not only do I give him my endorsement, I have even hired him in the past for my own legal needs."
Trusts Attorney | Oct 12
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. Matthew is both skilled and creative in the areas of trusts and estate planning."
Trusts Attorney | Oct 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Attorney Bergstrom's consistently strong publications in the area of Gun Law represents his commitment to clients on providing quality service and up to date legal advice."
Trusts Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Matthew is one of the premier lawyers in the firearms law field. He takes exceptional care of his clients and stays ahead of the curve on the laws and regulations that affect his clientele. His accessibility, extensive legal knowledge and attention to detail encourage many of his clients to return to his firm for additional legal work."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Matthew on several estate planning matters. Matthew is an exceptionally competent attorney, and his expertise in gun trusts is unparalleled."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Bergstrom for approximately a year on trusts. He is immensely competent and a pleasure to work with."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Mr. Bergstrom for about a year now. I find him hard working, quick-witted and imminently competent especially in regards to trusts. I am honored to endorse this lawyer."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I fully endorse Attorney Bergstrom. He is a hard-working, highly motivated and skilled lawyer."
Trusts Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Matt is a forward thinking, entrepreneurial, and competent lawyer."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Matt is a terrific attorney and friend. I have had the pleasure o knowing him for over twenty years and in working with him on various projects over the years. He is a passionate advocate for his clients. It is my pleasure to endorse him."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have co-counseled with Matthew on several matters and found that he demands practical, cost-effective solutions for his clients' estate planning needs."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer as knowledgeable and trustworthy in the practice of firearms law. His firm is in the forefront of protecting gun owner rights and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy those same rights through trust instruments."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bergstom is a professional, highly competent attorney."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Trusts Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mr. Bergstrom is a preeminent lawyer in the area of gun trusts."
View more endorsements
Estate planning
Bankruptcy and debt
General practice
Corporate and incorporation
Litigation
Federal regulation
Corporate and incorporation
Administrative law
Administrative law