Matt Gooch is a clean energy lawyer who helps clients develop, build, and sell solar projects and battery storage facilities. He regularly advises clients regarding leases, land use issues, environmental regulation, and transactional matters such as construction contracts and asset purchases.
Matt frequently represents Virginia landowners in negotiations with electric utilities and renewable energy developers. He advises clients on key terms of solar lease and option arrangements such as the contract term, liability provisions, and compensation. Matt’s industry experience allows him to evaluate project sites and negotiate maximum compensation for his landowner clients.
Prior to entering private practice, Matt was an Assistant Attorney General of Virginia and served as counsel to a number of state agencies, including the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality’s Renewable Energy Division. He is an expert on Virginia’s Permit By Rule process and other regulations affecting renewable generators and storage developers.
Matt is a graduate of the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond. After law school, he clerked for two years at the Supreme Court of Virginia for Justice William C. Mims.
Matt is a native of Oakton, Virginia. He and his wife Katie are the proud parents of two young boys and one dynamo baby girl. In his free time, he enjoys half marathons, masters swimming, and honing his skills at open mic nights.
Admissions
Virginia State Bar
Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
Eastern District of Virginia
Western District of Virginia
Education
B.A., Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia (2001)
J.D., University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia (2009)
Memberships and Pro Bono
Lewis F. Powell Inn of Court, Executive Committee
Virginia State Bar, Environmental Law Section Board of Governors
Virginia State Bar, National Regulatory Conference Planning Committee
Richmond Bar Association, Environmental & Energy Law Executive Committee
Landowner testimonials
“Matt represented our family in negotiations with a solar developer for an option-lease agreement for several hundred acres in Caroline County. From our first phone call, it was clear that Matt understood Virginia’s energy market and knew exactly what steps we needed to take in order to secure an optimal agreement for our family. We are so excited to have solar on our property and feel very fortunate that we chose Matt to represent us in this process.”
-Dan B., Caroline County, Virginia (500 acre solar development project)
“Matt was a wealth of knowledge and instrumental in working on a solar lease for our grandfather’s farm. Not only did he understand our needs but he understood the solar industry to know where and how to fight for the best deal. We knew we made the right decision when the lessee of a large solar developer said we had one of the best lawyers he had worked with.”
-Brent J., Mecklenburg County, Virginia (400+ acre solar development project)
“I recently entered into an agreement to put a solar project on property in Caroline County, VA. I have no experience with this type of project. Matt Gooch was contacted early in the process to represent us. Things went very smoothly. Matt was very knowledgeable, detailed oriented and timely in his correspondents with both me and the potential Tenant. Matt made the process very clear each step of the way and was always available for questions and further instructions when needed. Given another opportunity in the future, I would definitely have Matt represent me.”
-Mary Ellen F., Caroline County, Virginia (300 acre solar development project)
“Matt became a friend in the process of helping me and a partner in the processing of a solar lease. He was a valuable counselor in reviewing and negotiating a proposed lease. He helped us understand the lease and flagged pitfalls that were included. We felt we were on equal footing with the solar company. It was extremely helpful to have his counsel and I expect the same for you.”
-Thomas J., Caroline County, Virginia (100+ acre solar development project)