Matt works closely with clients to solve a broad scope of business problems—often through litigation, sometimes through alternative dispute resolution—but always creatively, cost-effectively, and in alignment with clients’ needs and goals.
He focuses his practice on:
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Energy and environmental litigation
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Complex commercial litigation
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Class action defense
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Antitrust litigation and counseling
Matt has tried numerous cases to verdict around the country involving alleged environmental regulatory violations, environmental crimes, criminal fraud and conspiracy, price fixing, monopolization, breach of contract, and various other complex matters.
His trial victories include a $17 million jury verdict on behalf of a business unit of Newell Rubbermaid. BernzOmatic sued its former supplier for trade dress infringement, breach of contract, and false advertising. After Matt’s closing argument, the jury returned a verdict for BernzOmatic on all counts. The case was a double win: Matt also argued the successful motion for summary judgment that disposed of the supplier’s $22 million counterclaim.
He also represented former Hollinger International General Counsel Mark Kipnis in the highly publicized United States v. Conrad Black honest services fraud case. The Schiff Hardin trial team won an acquittal at trial on nine of 11 counts, and then appealed his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court on the remaining two counts. The Supreme Court reversed his conviction, securing a complete victory for Mr. Kipnis.
Matt is lead trial counsel for a public utility in a Clean Air Act enforcement matter brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, with over $3 billion at stake. He successfully defended a similar CAA citizen enforcement action seeking over $2 billion in relief, and achieving a settlement for nuisance value.
In addition, Matt has litigated dozens of complex commercial litigation matters across a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, banking, commodity trading, private equity, consumer packaged goods, insurance, food service, food, and beverage distribution, telecommunications, transportation, and renewable energy. He has extensive experience spanning varied subject matters such as fraud, contract, fiduciary duty litigation, patent infringement, government contract bidding disputes, commodity price manipulation, civil rights, employment discrimination, and more.
