Attorney Profile

In the Profession

As Clarence Darrow once said, “the only real lawyers are trial lawyers, and trial lawyers try cases to juries.” Darrow may have exaggerated a bit—lawyers provide important and valuable services outside of trials—but the fact of the matter is that many disputes cannot be resolved without seeking counsel. When that happens, when you find yourself in dispute with someone, you need a lawyer with trial skills. You need a trial lawyer.

The skilled trial lawyer can help you evaluate your case, decide whether to proceed and then develop a strategy and present your arguments in the best possible manner to maximize your chances for a successful result. The skilled trial lawyer should also have the negotiation skills to help you achieve a favorable settlement without the risk of a trial, if that can be done. If that cannot be done, and if your dispute cannot be resolved without trial, you want to know that your attorney knows how to try a case.

Matt is an experienced and skilled trial lawyer. Twice named one of Illinois’ Rising Stars, he has tried cases to judges and juries in state and federal courts, and he has negotiated many favorable settlements for his clients. Among his courtroom successes, in 2004 Matt secured a record-setting jury verdict in Mercer County, Illinois. Matt also has represented clients in arbitrations and mediations, and in matters before various state agencies.

Matt has represented individuals and businesses in fraud claims, partnership disputes, contract lawsuits, and malpractice and personal injury cases, among other disputes. He has had clients and cases involved in the music industry, banking, real estate, e-commerce, food services, telecommunications and a host of other industries.

Matt began his career at Jenner & Block, one of Chicago’s largest law firms known for litigation and trial work. Matt is a NITA (National Institute of Trial Advocacy) certified trial instruction. He assists from time to time with the Corboy Fellowship in Trial Advocacy program at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where he helps coach law students involved in trial competitions. He also is an instructor with the Chicago Bar Association College of Trial Advocacy, where he teaches other lawyers about trial advocacy.

In the Community

Matt and his family live in Chicago, and he is an active member of the community. Matt serves on the board of Christopher House, an organization that provides comprehensive support and services to families, helping them build stability and self-sufficiency. Over the years Matt, has served on other civic and charitable boards, including: The John Howard Association, Parkways Foundation and the American Jewish Congress-Midwest Region.

In addition to his civic involvement, Matt is active in local youth sports, serving as a volunteer coach and board member for the American Youth Soccer Association—Region 418. This past year, Matt also agreed to serve as the Winter Programs Director for the local AYSO. Matt also has helped coach youth football, and is actively involved with his kids’ school.

Subscribing to the theory that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” Matt continues to re-live his youth by attending Lollapalooza every year, seeing as much live music as possible and maintaining an active soccer schedule. He plays on several soccer teams in the Chicago area, and in the summer of 2009, Matt played with the United States Men’s Maccabi Masters Soccer Team in the international 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel.

Matt’s vitals:

EDUCATION

Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, 1996, J.D. cum laude
University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1993, B.A. Philosophy

PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES AND HONORS

Selected by Illinois Law & Politics for inclusion as one of Illinois’ Rising Stars (2010, 2011)
Selected by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin as one of 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch (2008)
Distinguished Service Award, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (2005)
Board Member, Christopher House
Board Member and Director of Winter Programs, American Youth Soccer Association—Region 418
Prior Board Member: Decalogue Society of Lawyers, John Howard Association, Lend-A-Hand Program. Parkways Foundation, American Jewish Congress—Midwest Region
Campaign Treasurer for the Committee to Elect Judge Thomas More Donnelly to the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois
Judicial Extern to the Honorable Ruben Castillo of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Public Interest Law Initiative Fellowship, Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago

TRIAL ADVOCACY

Trial Advocacy Instructor: Loyola University Chicago School of Law; National Institute of Trial Advocacy (Midwest Region); Chicago Bar Association College of Trial Advocacy
Certified Trial Instructor by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy
Fellow, Philip F. Corboy Fellowship Program in Trial Advocacy
National Champion, 1996 National Trial Competition

BAR ADMISSIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

Admissions: Illinois; United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, General and Trial Bar; United States Appellate Court for the Seventh Circuit
Member: American, Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations; Illinois Trial Lawyers Association; College of Master Advocates and Barristers; The American Association for Justice