Matthew Emile Orso

On August 20, 2025 President Trump nominated Matthew Emile Orso to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. He was confirmed on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.

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Biography

Matthew Emile Orso earned his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law (2006 – 2009) attended the Urban Planning Master’s Program at Saint Louis University, and earned his B.A. from  the University of Dayton, B.A. (1997 – 2001).

Legal Experience

Orso is a partner at White Collar Defense & Government Investigations, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP (2023 – Present), worked at McGuire Woods LLP (2012 – 2023) as a partner, Government Investigations & White-Collar Litigation (2019 – 2023) and an associate, Government Investigations & White-Collar Litigation (2012 – 2018). Other work experience includes:

• Associate in Employment Defense and Construction Litigation, Smith Parsons (2011 – 2012)

• Law Clerk, Judge Robert Conrad Jr. for the US. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina (2009 – 2011)

• Summer Associate, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP (2008)

• Judicial Extern, Judge Catherine Perry for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri (2008)

• Intern, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois (2007)

• Research Assistant, Saint Louis University School of Law (2007)

• Corporate IT Recruiter, CPS, Inc. (2005 – 2006)
• Assistant Coach for Freshman Football, Nazareth Academy High School (2003 – 2005)

Key Facts and Content

• Defends clients facing investigations and enforcement actions brought by, government and industry regulators including the Department of Justice, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), and Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

• Represented a large national bank under a civil investigative demand issued by the attorney general of Nebraska relating to allegations that the bank financially exploited an elderly customer

• Represented a bank in an SEC investigation alleging misrepresentations to the market, including issues of data and annual filings.

• Represented a financial services client being investigated for participation in an alleged Ponzi scheme.

• Represented financial institutions in multiple investigations for compliance with laws and regulations meant to prevent money laundering.

• Defended a government contractor in an investigation of fraud brought by the Department of Justice and the IRS through their disadvantaged business enterprise program which was meant to assist small business growth.

• Represented a broker-dealer in an SEC investigation regarding allegations of fraudulent practices and compliance with laws that obligate broker-dealers to act in the best interest of their customers.