Matt focuses his practice on complex business litigation and class actions and has represented clients in a variety of matters, including false and deceptive advertising, consumer fraud, wage and hour matters, breach of contract, fraud and other business torts. His work has covered nearly all stages of litigation, from initial fact investigation and drafting pleadings through fact and expert discovery, motion practice, trial, post-trial briefing and appeals.
Before joining Shook, Matt worked as an associate for Sidley Austin LLP and did a pro bono fellowship with the Impact Litigation Unit at Bet Tzedek Legal Services. Matt earned his law degree from UCLA School of Law and, while there, was an extern for the Hon. Dolly M. Gee of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Representative Matters
In appellate victory in Dantzler v. S2 Services Puerto Rico, LLC, obtained dismissal on standing grounds of putative class action challenging more than $150 million in port security fees as unconstitutional under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments and Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.Obtained decertification of wage and hour class action against an international property and casualty insurer alleging misclassification of claims adjusters and order striking PAGA claims as unmanageable. Member of trial team that obtained across-the-board jury verdict in favor of the insurer as to the nine named plaintiffs’ individual claims.
Defeated class certification in wage and hour action against retailer alleging on-duty meal and rest breaks.
Defended retailer in group of related wage and hour actions and obtained full dismissal of one action and partial dismissal of several claims in other actions on Rule 12(b)(6) motions.
Member of trial team that successfully defended TV provider in deceptive advertising action brought by the FTC seeking nearly $4 billion in monetary and injunctive relief. Obtained favorable judgment on partial findings after the FTC rested case-in-chief, which led to the FTC dismissing the case with prejudice. The case was recognized as a significant victory by The Wall Street Journal and Law360, and the Daily Journal as a “Top Verdict” of 2018.
Media Coverage
1st Circ. Frees Puerto Rican Agency From $150M Fees Suit, Law360, May 4, 2020.