Matt O’Connell is a veteran of more than 37 years as a trial lawyer. He has represented some of the world’s most recognized companies in cases involving products liability, intellectual property, commercial and contract disputes, insurance coverage, environmental and toxic injury, and employment disputes. A founding member of the firm, Matt served as managing shareholder from 2017 through 2020. Recent professional recognition includes an appointment to a second three-year term on the Case Western Law Alumni Advisory Board. Matt grew up in Mexico City and is fluent in the Spanish language.
Practice Areas
Admissions
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- United States District Courts
- Northern District of Ohio
- Southern District of Ohio
- Eastern District of Kentucky
- Middle District of Tennessee
- Western District of Tennessee
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Education
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A., 1979
- Case Western Reserve University, J.D., 1983
Involvement
- Mentor, Ohio Supreme Court Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program
- Senior Fellow, Cleveland Bar Foundation
- Irish Legal 100
Representative Matters
- Successful defense railroad tank car manufacturer in closed head injury case resulting in directed verdict in longest civil trial in Hamilton County, Ohio.
- Obtained affirmance of summary judgment in favor of fluid sealing materials product manufacturer in maritime asbestos case, established law of “substantial factor” in toxic exposure cases. 434 F.3d 488 (6th Cir., 2005)
- Represented trademark holder in enforcement lawsuit resulting in jury awarding trademark holder damages in excess of $5 million. Established law in the Sixth Circuit finding contributory liability under the Lanham Act for trademark infringement. 717 F.3d 498 (6th Cir., 2013)
Publications
- Editor, Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys Quarterly Review. Fall 2010.
Associations
- Ohio State Bar Association
- Kentucky Bar Association
- Tennessee Bar Association
- Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
- Ohio Association of Defense Counsel
- Irish-American Bar Association of Cleveland
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance
- Defense Research Institute
- Federal Bar Association
- John M. Manos American Inn of Court
- Litigation Counsel of America
Awards & Recognition
- Super Lawyers, 2008-2021
- Senior Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
- Rated AV/Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell