Bio
Matt focuses his practice on product and premise liability matters, class actions, and mass torts. He also defends businesses in other complex commercial litigation and business disputes. Matt is known for his meticulous skill in preparing and trying his cases. He is also a deft negotiator when settlement best aligns with this clients’ business objectives.
With extensive experience serving as national coordinating counsel in large-scale multi-district litigation, Matt has a reputation for capably managing litigation and defense nationwide alongside his lead role on local work.
Matt has dedicated significant time to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. He serves on RSHC’s Associate Recruitment, Retention, and Attorney Development Committee, and was co-chair of the diversity committee and a member of the recruiting committee at his prior firm.
A former middle and high school history teacher, and a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a military family, Matt calls on the unique perspectives and skills gained from these experiences to foster his rich client relationships. Outside of the office, Matt is active in his local community, most recently as the current president of the Ravinia Parent-Teacher Organization. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Experience
Clerkships
Legal Extern, Hon. Ruben Castillo, Northern District of Illinois (2009)
Representative Engagements
- Member of a large trial team in a toxic court case for a public utility, Riebel v. A.W. Chesterton, Cook County, Illinois (2015 L 002124), that concluded with a favorable defense verdict.
- Served as national coordinating counsel on asbestos litigation, coordinating the defense strategy for thousands of matters involving a pump defendant.
- Served as national trial counsel for an automotive defendant in asbestos litigation.
- Served as lead counsel for a health care product defendant in a national class action matter.
Credentials
Education
Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2011
Hispanic-Latino Law Students Association, President
Merit Scholarship
University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, B.A., History, 2005
President’s Award Scholar
Bar Admissions
Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Section on Litigation
Chicago Bar Association
Member of Tort Litigation Committee
Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois
Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP)
Ravinia Neighbors Association
Honors & Awards
Illinois Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers (2024)
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers® (2021-2024)
Illinois Rising Stars, Thomson Reuters' Illinois Super Lawyers (2019-2022)
Outstanding Young Alumni, Chicago Kent College of Law (2019)
Publications & Presentations
“In-House Counsel Roundtable, Evolving Challenges Defending National Asbestos Litigation,” (moderator) Perrin Conferences’ National Asbestos Litigation Conference (September 12, 2024)
“Illinois Supreme Court’s Decision May Effect Application of Forum Non Conveniens,” (speaker) ABA Section of Litigation-Products Liability (January 27, 2014)
“The Implications of Autonomous Vehicles,” (speaker) ABA Young Lawyers Teleconference on Autonomous Vehicles (February 23, 2017)
“Component Part Defendants and the Bare Metal Defense,” (speaker) American Conference Institute’s 18th National Advanced Forum on Asbestos Claims & Litigation, Chicago IL (January 2015)
“Product Identification and an Asbestos Deposition,” (speaker) American Conference Institute’s 17th National Advanced Forum on Asbestos Claims & Litigation, Chicago IL (June 2014)
Community Service
Ravinia Parent-Teacher Organization, President
Pinto & Mustang DYSBA Softball, Coach