About Matt Miklave
Biography
Matt, the youngest of Frank and Mary Miklave’s three children, was born in Connecticut in 1959. Matt worked his way through college as a materials handler and on the production line in a blender factory. He also pumped gas, changed oil and fixed flat tires at a service station near Hartford. After graduating with honors from American University, Matt studied law at the University of Notre Dame, and graduated in 1984 with a J.D.
Practicing law in Michigan, Matt represented school districts and smaller cities and towns. Matt's work brought the firm to the United States Supreme Court, where it won a unanimous ruling in a noted civil rights case. Matt’s legal arguments and reasoning were adopted by Justice Lewis Powell (himself a former school teacher) and formed the basis of landmark ruling that continues to serve as legal precedent today.
Matt left Michigan to work for the National Labor Relations Board in Washington and, in 1993, he returned to private practice in New York City. Matt is a shareholder with the nationally based law firm, Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. and has been nationally recognized for his legal skills and ability.
In the mid-1990s, Matt became active in Norwalk’s political and civic life – first serving on the Schools for the New Millennium Project, participating in the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute, and serving on the boards of directors of the United Way of Norwalk & Wilton and the Norwalk River Rowing Association. Matt also donates his time to the community. He serves as pro bono counsel to the Stepping Stones Museum for Children and to Glasswing International, a humanitarian non-government organization based in El Salvador and co-founded by former Norwalk Council member Ken Baker and his wife.
Matt’s service in Norwalk’s government includes Norwalk’s Common Council from 2001-2007, where he served as Council President from 2002-2003, and as Chair of the Planning Committee from 2001-2007. His current term on the Council began in 2011.
Matt and his wife Sandra have been married for 23 years and have called Norwalk their home for the last 22 years. The couple has three children, two currently attending Norwalk High School and one a sophomore in college studying criminal justice. The family belongs to St. Thomas Parish on East Avenue.
PUBLIC AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
Elected Member - Norwalk, Connecticut Common Council
2001 to 2007, 2011 to present
Chair, Planning Committee, 2001 to 2007
Council President, 2002 to 2003
Member, Board of Directors - Norwalk River Rowing Association
2008 to 2011
Not-for-profit community-based rowing association devoted to making the sport of crew and racing open to all regardless of ability or disability.
Pro Bono Legal Counsel - Glasswing International U.S.A.
2008 to present
Humanitarian organization based in New York City and San Salvador, El Salvador, devoted to improving the lives of the people of Central America through education and health care reform.
Pro Bono Legal Counsel - Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Inc.
2000 to present
A not-for-profit children’s museum based in Norwalk.
Board Member - United Way of Norwalk & Wilton, Inc.
2001 to 2008
Board Secretary, 2007 to 2008
Member Representative - Schools for the New Millennium Project
1999 to 2000, Norwalk, Connecticut
Member, Hiring and Staff Development Committee
Member, Steering Committee