About Matt

Matthew is a litigation lawyer at Valent Legal who joined after a varied legal career, including work as a criminal defence lawyer, in Aboriginal law, and as a litigation lawyer for the Attorney General of Nova Scotia. Born in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2007, a Bachelor of Education with a Diploma in Technology Education in 2009, and a Juris Doctor in 2017. Before entering law he worked in a QMJHL front office, as a high school teacher, and as a mixed martial arts columnist whose work appeared in national outlets. He now sits on the Nova Scotia Combat Sports Authority as Chair of Promoter Licensing and is General Manager of the Antigonish Senior Bulldogs of the Nova Scotia Hockey League.

Listing compiled from public sources in July 2026. Confirm Matt Ryder’s licence and standing in the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society directory ↗