Matthew T. Macklin has transitioned from a health care operator to the Managing Attorney of Stratagem Law Group, a firm that embodies the fusion of legal expertise and practical business insight. His unique journey illustrates how diverse experiences can shape effective leadership in the legal field.
Macklin’s roots in health care run deep. Growing up in a family immersed in the industry, he recalls, “Health care was the family business.” His mother served as a director of nursing, exposing him to the vibrant life within nursing homes. “For me, nursing homes were full of life, not places people go to die,” he recounts. This early experience influenced his career path, although it was not initially intended to lead him to law.
From Health Care to Law
Graduating during the 2009 housing crisis, Macklin faced a challenging job market that led him back to his hometown to train as a nursing home administrator. After completing his residency, he faced a critical choice: manage a well-regarded facility in Martha’s Vineyard or take charge of a struggling center in Tacoma, Washington. He opted for the latter, stating, “It was one of the worst survey outcomes I had ever seen. But I built a team, and we turned it around.” This pivotal decision set the stage for a decade marked by successful turnarounds of distressed health care facilities nationwide.
“Tacoma was a forged-by-fire experience,” he reflects. “It taught me how to manage teams in the least ideal circumstances, navigate hostile regulatory agencies, and restore organizations under immense pressure.” During this time, Macklin pursued a law degree through a rigorous weekend program, commuting to Chicago every other weekend, even throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This demanding journey solidified his resolve to merge operational experience with legal acumen.
Launching Stratagem Law Group
In 2021, Macklin established Stratagem Law Group with a vision that diverged from traditional legal practices. The firm emphasizes the importance of viewing clients as strategic partners, rather than merely sources of legal challenges. “Attorneys often default to telling businesses what they cannot do,” he explains. “My goal is to help them get to a safe yes, the most workable yes possible.” This philosophy positions Macklin as a voice of reason in a field where legal constraints often dominate discussions.
Stratagem Law’s offerings include litigation, compliance counsel, and business advisory services, all underscored by an integration of legal and practical business perspectives. “My clients often want my legal advice and my business opinion,” Macklin states. “They are not always the same, but that dual lens helps clients make more informed decisions.” This approach not only enhances client relations but also fosters more effective decision-making.
In addition to his legal practice, Macklin is dedicated to equity and community service. He actively supports nonprofit organizations through pro bono work, aiming to build lasting structures within his community. “It’s the ‘teach me to fish’ philosophy,” he explains. “The goal is to leave clients and organizations stronger than before I arrived.” This commitment reflects his belief in empowering others to achieve sustainable success.
Looking forward, Macklin is developing a podcast designed to clarify compliance and legal issues for business and nonprofit leaders. “Most people don’t understand what it means for legal to sign off on something,” he observes. The podcast aims to demystify this process, ensuring that both lawyers and non-lawyers can operate more effectively within legal frameworks.
As he continues to lead Stratagem Law, Macklin remains focused on delivering solutions that endure. “At the end of the day, everything I do, whether in health care, law, or nonprofits, comes back to the same goal,” he asserts. “I want to do work that matters, and I want to help people succeed.” Through his career, Macklin has woven together health care operations, legal expertise, and community service, proving that effective leadership is characterized by pragmatism, innovation, and a deep commitment to humanity.
