Overview
Matt, one of the law firm’s founding partners, serves as the managing partner of the Tampa office. His litigation practice focuses on business, employment, construction, real estate, and franchise disputes. He handles litigation matters throughout Florida’s state and federal courts, as well as the state and federal courts located in other states. Matt has experience trying cases before judges, juries, and arbitration panels, as well as obtaining injunctions.
Originally from Wisconsin, Matt moved to Florida in 1997 after completing a clerkship with United States Senator Connie Mack in Washington, D.C. and graduating from law school. He resides in Tampa with his wife, son, and daughter.
For a brief introductory video, see the following link: https://vimeo.com/436535701
Education and Admissions
Admissions
Florida
United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Education
Washington University in St. Louis, J.D. (1997)
B.S., Bradley University, with honors (1994
Work Highlights
- Matt’s business and employment litigation experience includes minority shareholder disputes, contract litigation, the enforcement of restrictive covenants such as non-competition agreements, director and officer liability litigation, insurance coverage disputes, and business fraud and tort claims. His experience includes the representation of Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized and small businesses, and entrepreneurs.
- Matt’s franchise litigation experience includes the prosecution and defense of claims involving franchise law violations, the enforcement and defense of confidentiality and non-competition covenants, and the enforcement and defense of intellectual property claims, such as trademark and copyright violations. Matt’s experience includes the representation of both franchisors and franchisees.
- Matt’s real estate litigation experience includes the enforcement of restrictive covenants contained in community documents, the prosecution and defense of foreclosure claims, real estate contract litigation, the enforcement and defense of lien and claims, and claims involving the reformation of deeds. Matt’s real estate clients have included developers, contractors, property owners, and real estate brokers.
- Matt’s experience with construction litigation includes construction defect claims, delay claims, the enforcement and defense of construction liens, contract and warranty disputes, claims involving excessive sound transmission in multi-unit residential construction, product defect litigation, insurance coverage disputes, and personal injury claims related to construction sites. Matt’s clients have included builders, contractors, owners, and material suppliers.
Prior Affiliations
DLA Piper US LLP (1999-2008)
Shear Newman Hahn & Rosenkranz (1997-1999)
Professional Affiliations and Community Involvement
Hillsborough County Bar Association & Florida Bar
J. Clifford Cheatwood American Inn of Court, Barrister
American Bar Association, Franchise and Construction Sections
Board of Fellows, University of Tampa