Judge Matthew T. Thorn was elected to the Twentieth Family Court Circuit (Monongalia and Preston Counties) in May 2024 and took office on January 1, 2025.

Judge Thorn was born in Morgantown and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from West Virginia University in 1998. He worked several years in the pharmaceutical industry before obtaining a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University in 2007 and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, in 2009.

During law school, he had an externship with the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, learning from Dimas Reyes. At the time of his election, he had been a partner with Sal Sellaro Culpepper Legal Group, PLLC, since 2009. His practice included personal injury; wrongful death; family law; real estate; and serving as prosecuting attorney for the Morgantown Municipal Court, Westover City Court, and the Town of Star City.

He was vice president and president of the Monongalia County Bar Association.

Judge Thorn served in the U.S. Army Reserves in the Military Police Corps for 15 years, with most of that service with the 363rd Military Police Unit based in Grafton, West Virginia. He had overseas tours in Germany, Egypt, Panama, and El Salvador.

Judge Thorn is a former rugby player and was an assistant coach and head coach for a variety of rugby teams including Mon River Mud Lobsters, West Virginia University Men’s Rugby, West Virginia University Women’s Rugby, Michigan State Women’s Rugby, Mon River Mud Dogs High School Rugby, and Mon River Maniacs Rugby.

He lives in Morgantown and has two children. He and his children enjoy being involved in sports activities, traveling, and spending quality time together.