Professional Experience
Matthew works with businesses and large organizations to help them navigate the complexities of California and federal labor laws and regulations. Matthew has nearly a decade in practice as a responsive and trusted advisor who works closely with management, in-house counsel, and other stakeholders to find effective ways to prevent disputes from arising. If litigation commences, he is known as a forceful advocate for clients. Matthew has won defense verdicts for businesses, executives, and management in both federal and state courts, and prevailed in claims filed with the EEOC and the California Labor Commissioner.
Matthew generally defends against individual and multi-plaintiff lawsuits and claims involving numerous facets of labor and employment law including:
- Whistleblower/Labor Code section 1102.5 allegations
- Wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative actions
- Claims arising from layoffs and reductions-in-force
- Discrimination, retaliation, and harassment allegations
- Pre-employment screening and background check regulations
- Alleged misclassifications relating to independent contractor status
- ADA compliance and the interactive process
- FMLA, CFRA, and leaves of absence under the California Pregnancy Disability Leave Law
- Employee discipline and involuntary leaves of absence
- Liability based on actions of third-party vendors
- Trade secrets and unfair competition
Community
Matthew is a lifelong southern California resident, presently living in Monrovia, California. Matthew is a member of the Los Angeles County Bar Association and has been recognized twice by the American Board of Trial Advocates as a SideBar nominee, and was selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2021 and 2022. Matthew has provided pro bono services for charitable organizations such as the National Health Law Partnership, providing access to healthcare to those less fortunate, and to SRO (Single Resident Occupancy), which works to assist the unhoused get back on their feet. He has also provided pro bono legal services to the FAME legal clinic in Mid-City Los Angeles.
Education
Matthew received his undergraduate degree in Philosophy (with honors) from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and in his senior year was nominated for the Distinguished Student in the Humanities Award by Professor William Warner, then chair of UCSB’s English Department.
Matthew received his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, where he was recognized as a Loyola Scholar in light of his significant professional and academic accomplishments.
Personal
Matthew loves to learn about the history of the Southwest United States, California, and Mexico. He enjoys exploring the California coast, and playing the historic California golf courses in the style of his heroes Lee Trevino, Billy Casper, Ray Floyd, and Sam Snead.