Matt Benda has provided general legal services in Albert Lea since 1996. He provides personal attention to his clients and practices under the motto: “Finding Solutions ... one client at a time.”

Matt is married to Heather Benda, who is a C.P.A. and partner with the accounting firm of Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda in Albert Lea. Matt and Heather have two children – Ashler and Avery.

Matt is a board member and a volunteer attorney for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services. Matt recently served as Chair of the MSBA, Agricultural Law Section Council. Matt also serves as the attorney for the Shell Rock River Watershed District and the Cedar River Watershed District.

Matt has acted as an advocate for the community in many capacities. Most recently, through his activities with the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce. An editorial in the Albert Lea Tribune had this to say about Matt, “We trust Matt Benda as someone who sees these community needs [pro-education, pro-recreation, pro-health care, pro-dialogue, and most importantly, proud] among others not listed here. He is saavy enough with community affairs to build bridges, understands economic viability and possesses endless amounts of community spirit.”

Matt served previously on the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency. He is an active member of the local bike-trail association, has coached the high school mock trial team and is a former board member for the Albert Lea Audubon Science Center. Matt made an unsuccessful run for the State Legislature in 2006 and remains active in the political arena. Matt believes that if you are going to live in a community, you must give to the community.

Read Matt's Blog: Tilting - Challening Your View Of...
Read Matt's Article on JOBZ
Read Matt's Article: Vote for Common Sense
Read Matt's Article: To Arbitrate or Not to Arbitrate: A Practitioner’s Guide to Alternative
Dispute Resolution in the Agricultural Context

Areas of Practice
Agriculture Law
Business Planning and Transactions
Real Estate
Family Law

Bar Admissions:
Minnesota, 1996
U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1996
U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1996

Education:
Drake University Law School, Des Moines, Iowa, 1996 - J.D.

University of Minnesota, 1992 - B.S.

Professional Associations and Memberships:

Freeborn County Bar Association - Member

Minnesota State Bar Association - Member

MSBA Agricultural Law Section Council - Chairman

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services - Board Member and Volunteer Attorney

American Agricultural Law Association - Member