Fluet is pleased to announce that Matthew P. Thrasher has joined as Counsel in the firm’s Government Contracts and International Trade Practices. Matthew brings nearly two decades of high-level experience from the Department of Defense, National Security Council, and military service, positioning him to lead the firm’s Classified Contracting and Cybersecurity sections.
“Matthew’s unique background at the intersection of national security, international affairs, and classified contracting significantly enhances our ability to serve clients in the defense and intelligence sectors,” says David Panzer, Government Contracts Practice Chair. “His firsthand experience negotiating multi-billion-dollar international deals alongside Cabinet Secretaries and advising on complex national security matters brings invaluable perspective to our clients navigating sensitive contracts with the U.S. Government and its allies.”
Matthew counsels clients on geopolitical risk, classified defense contracting, and cybersecurity compliance, including SAP compliance, facility clearance requirements, FOCI mitigation, CMMC certification, and DFARS cybersecurity obligations. He also supports M&A activity with classified due diligence and helps protect clients facing government enforcement actions.
Prior to joining Fluet, Matthew served as Deputy Legal Advisor to the National Security Council, where he provided legal counsel on Executive Orders, sanctions, military operations, and critical mineral procurement. During his nearly nine years at the Department of Defense, including as Acting Deputy General Counsel for International Affairs, he negotiated dozens of international agreements and managed a number of complex issues, including on data sovereignty.
Matthew’s military career includes service as a U.S. Navy Surface Warfare Officer, where he led sailors in operational environments and managed engineering systems aboard a ballistic missile defense platform. He later served as a Navy Judge Advocate in various roles, bringing operational credibility and crisis-tested judgment to his legal practice.
With Matthew’s arrival, Fluet continues to expand its capabilities for companies in the defense, intelligence, and technology sectors. To learn more about our growing team, click here.
