“I like to view my job as helping clients with problems; because it’s not really as simple as the label of being a lawyer. It’s more than that.”

Matthew practices in the Foltz-Martin litigation department, counseling individuals and businesses on a wide variety of legal issues, specifically focused on contract disputes and business torts. Within this broad spectrum, Matthew has honed his practice towards a specialty in construction and real estate disputes.

Representative Case History (Partial)

Construction Litigation, Arbitration and Mediation:

• While Defending General Contractor, successfully obtained summary judgment in superior court, preventing subcontractor’s arbitration claims, as well as winning award of attorneys’ fees incurred in defending action.
• Obtained summary judgment and award of attorneys’ fees against flooring subcontractor while defending General Contractor.

Real Estate Litigation:

• Assisted in defense and trial of quiet title and trespass action brought against our client, resulting in complete defense verdict for client and client’s retention of land claimed in action by the Plaintiff.

Partnership/LLC/Franchise Business Disputes and Litigation:

• Defended company and principal owners against claims of former employee that he was owed roughly 1 million dollars related to partnership, joint venture and termination of relationship. Obtained summary judgment on the majority of former employee’s claims, resulting in a successful resolution for clients.
• Defended small business owners and limited liability company in suit over promissory notes, non-compete agreements and personal guarantees. Argued and successfully prevailed in defense of motion for summary judgment, resulting in favorable settlement days before trial.

Employment/Restrictive Covenant/Creditor/Debtor:

• Represent electrical staffing agency on a regular basis, dealing with matters ranging from past due accounts to employment discrimination and restrictive covenant issues.

Construction Law Counseling:

• Assist General Contractor clients in yearly review and drafting of construction contracts, as well as provide counsel to clients on a daily basis to assist in resolving disputes prior to litigation.

Beyond his more concentrated areas of practice, Matthew has also worked on cases in the following areas: employment matters, business dissolutions, creditor/debtor relations, and select personal injury and insurance issues.

He provides advice to clients both prior to a formal dispute - in hope of avoiding future conflicts, and if needs require, through mediation, arbitration, litigation and/or a final resolution of the matter on appeal.

Matthew received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of the South (Sewanee), magna cum laude, where he played catcher on the Sewanee baseball team, and his law degree from Emory University School of Law, with honors.