Matt uses strategic thinking, creativity, and common sense to advise on employment compliance issues, litigation, and tough situations that arise in the workplace. He has significant experience trying cases to a jury and in arbitration, primarily involving employment disputes but also including commercial and criminal matters. He regularly counsels on local, state, and federal law employment law, and helps with creating and delivering workplace trainings.
As a member of the firm's Artificial Intelligence group, Matt advises employers on the use of algorithmic decision-making and compliance with emerging regulations related to privacy and bias auditing, and also helps build AI-powered tools to assist with legal work. He also is active in pro bono matters, particularly involving voting rights and asylum, and enjoys mentoring through his participation in the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, the firm's summer associate program and litigation trainings, and the First Generation Professionals group.
Practice Highlights
Asylum work
Trial victories
Voting rights work
Admitted to Practice
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New York, 2009
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California, 2010
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Washington, 2016
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U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 2011
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, 2011
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U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 2010
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U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, 2010
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit, 2014
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 2018
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U.S. Court of Appeals, 7th Circuit, 2018
Education
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J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 2008
- Dean's Scholar
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B.A., Classical Archaeology/French Language & Literature, Dartmouth College, 2005, with honors
Memberships & Affiliations
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- Executive Editor, Matthew Bender's California Labor and Employment Bulletin, 2011-2016
Professional Recognition
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- Named "One to Watch" by Best Lawyers in Labor and Employment Law - Management, 2025; in Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2025
- Counsel Heart of Justice Award, Davis Wright Tremaine, 2021
Background
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- Associate, Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, LLP, San Diego and Seattle, 2011-2016
- Associate, Butz, Dunn & DeSantis PC, San Diego, 2010-2011
- Associate, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP, New York, N.Y., 2008-2010