Overview
Matt Conigliaro is a board certified appellate specialist who has been recognized as one of Florida’s top appellate attorneys. His work involves legal issues in trial and appellate courts across Florida, in federal court, and in other states. He focuses on complex cases, from product liability and other complex tort matters to health care, insurance, and constitutional litigation.
Matt has obtained the reversal of numerous multimillion-dollar judgments, including a multibillion-dollar judgment, and has successfully defended many judgments and rulings. He also regularly prepares amicus curiae briefs in precedential cases.
Matt has appeared in more than 35 trials to assist trial counsel with legal issues that may be further litigated on appeal. He helps devise strategies that place trial counsel in the best position to win the trial and place the client in the best position to win any appeal that follows.
A frequent speaker, Matt is grateful for often being invited by bar, civic, and other organizations to present on myriad topics.
Earlier in his career, Matt served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jacqueline R. Griffin of Florida's Fifth District Court of Appeal.
Experience
Won reversal of an order permitting plaintiffs to litigate against an insurer post-judgment in the original tort action. Illinois Union Insurance Co. v. McGinley, 401 So. 3d 572 (Fla. 2d DCA 2025).
Won reversal of an order denying expungement for a human trafficking victim. Williams v. State, 363 So. 3d 150 (Fla. 4th DCA 2023).
Won reversal of divorce judgment that interfered with employer’s rights. Maddox v. Maddox, 357 So. 3d 270 (Fla. 2d DCA 2023).
Won reversal of a $3.6 million judgment in a commercial collection case. Thakkar v. Good Gateway, LLC, 351 So. 3d 192 (Fla. 5th DCA 2022).
Won reversal of order permitting appellee to avoid prior appellate decision. Taneja v. First Street & Fifth Avenue, LLC, 338 So. 3d 362 (Fla. 2d DCA 2022).
Won reversal of judgment following defense verdict in commercial case. Hernandez v. CGI Windows & Doors, Inc., 347 So. 3d 113 (Fla. 3d DCA 2022).
Won reversal of $6 million merits and fees judgments, remanding for a new trial in personal injury case. Crime v. Looney, 328 So. 3d 1157 (Fla. 1st DCA 2021).
Won affirmance of dismissal of civil rights case. Llauro v. Linville, No. 20-12862, 2021 WL 5767935 (11th Cir. Nov. 6, 2021).
Won reversal of a $9.8 million judgment in a commercial case. Taneja v. First Street & Fifth Avenue LLC, 310 So. 3d 1275 (Fla. 2d DCA 2021).
Won reversal of sanctions order dismissing complaint with prejudice. Lasswell Foundation for Learning & Laughter, Inc. v. Schwartz, 834 F. App’x 493 (11th Cir. 2020).
Won reversal for entry of defense judgment after $185,000 verdict in yacht broker commission case. Merle Wood & Associates v. Frazer, 307 So. 3d 773 (Fla. 4th DCA 2020).
Won reversal of a $2.8 million judgment and a $6.9 million verdict in a products liability case, remanding for a third trial. Union Carbide Corp. v. Font, 299 So. 3d 491 (Fla. 3d DCA 2020).
Won affirmance in first impression case involving condominium law. Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Co. v. Loftus, 276 So. 3d 849 (Fla. 4th DCA 2019).
Amicus curiae brief supporting the ultimate result in education litigation. Citizens for Strong Schools, Inc. v. Florida State Board of Education, 262 So. 3d 127 (Fla. 2019).
Won reversal in first impression case involving sovereign immunity and fair associations. South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. v. Joseph, 256 So. 3d 875 (Fla. 4th DCA 2018).
Won reversal for entry of a defense judgment after a $21 million verdict in a product liability case. Bechtel Corp. v. Batchelor, 250 So. 3d 187 (Fla. 3d DCA 2018).
Won affirmance of a personal jurisdiction dismissal in an asbestos case. Waite v. AII Acquisition Corp., 901 F.3d 1307 (11th Cir. 2018).
Won reversal of order appointing custodian to operate a business. Graham v. Uphold, 245 So. 3d 964 (Fla. 1st DCA 2018).
Won affirmance of summary judgment in First Amendment, due process case regarding educational discipline. Doe v. Valencia College, 903 F.3d 1220 (11th Cir. 2018).
Won denial of sheriff’s petition challenging chief judge’s decisions involving courthouse security. Knight v. Chief Judge of Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit, 235 So. 3d 996 (Fla. 2d DCA 2017).
Amicus curiae brief supporting appellee who did not appear to defend trial court ruling, won affirmance. Llano Financing Group, LLC v. Kerr, 230 So. 3d 46 (Fla. 4th DCA 2017).
Amicus curiae brief on operation of commissions, supporting ultimate result. Plaza Tower Realty Group, LLC v. 300 S. Duval Associates, LLC, 223 So. 3d 1079 (Fla. 3d DCA 2017).
Won affirmance in asbestos case involving operation of wrongful death act. Kelly v. Georgia-Pacific, LLC, 211 So. 3d 340 (Fla. 4th DCA 2017).
Amicus curiae brief on issues of public importance. Gainesville Woman Care, LLC v. State, 210 So. 3d 1243 (Fla. 2017).
Amicus curiae brief on specific performance involving homestead property, supporting ultimate result. Mirzataheri v. FM East Developers, LLC, 193 So. 3d 19 (Fla. 3d DCA 2016).
Cutting-edge product liability case; won restoration of the learned intermediary defense for asbestos suppliers. Aubin v. Union Carbide Corp., 177 So. 3d 489 (Fla. 2015).
Won affirmance in first impression case involving construction loan lenders, preemption of common law claims. Jax Utilities Management, Inc. v. Hancock Bank, 164 So. 3d 1266 (Fla. 1st DCA 2015).
Won approval of a decision reversing a $10 million judgment based on sovereign immunity. Plancher v. UCF Athletics Ass'n, 175 So. 3d 724 (Fla. 2015).
Won reversal of administrative disciplinary order. Christian v. Department of Health, 161 So. 3d 416 (Fla. 2d DCA 2014).
Won reversal of a $1.1 billion judgment in a health care matter. General Electric Capital Corp. v. Shattuck, 132 So. 3d 908 (Fla. 2d DCA 2014).
Won reversal of attorneys’ fees judgment based on interplay of sovereign immunity and settlement proposals. UCF Athletics Ass’n v. Plancher, 121 So. 3d 616 (Fla. 5th DCA 2013).
Won approval of decision affirming preemption of municipal ordinance. City of Palm Bay v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 114 So. 3d 924 (Fla. 2013).
Amicus brief supporting ultimate result in arbitration case. Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. v. Phillips, 126 So. 3d 186 (Fla. 2013).
Won reversal of order finding fraud on court. Health First, Inc. v. Hynes, 114 So. 3d 995 (Fla. 5th DCA 2012).
Won affirmance in asbestos case involving former testimony evidence. Rich v. Kaiser Gypsum Co., 103 So. 3d 903 (Fla. 4th DCA 2012).
Won reversal of a $6 million judgment in a medical malpractice case. McKesson Medication Management, LLC v. Slavin, 75 So. 3d 308 (Fla. 3d DCA 2011).
Won affirmance of a new trial order following a $55 million verdict in a product liability case. Godfrey v. Precision Airmotive Corp., 46 So. 3d 1020 (Fla. 5th DCA 2010).
Won reversal of order treating severance pay as marital asset. Odak v. Vitrano, 45 So. 3d 487 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010).
Won affirmance of medical malpractice summary judgment. Kristensen-Kepler v. Cooney, 39 So. 3d 518 (Fla. 4th DCA 2010).
Won reversal of summary judgment in real property case. Howell v. Ed Bebb, Inc., 35 So. 3d 167 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).
Won reversal in construction case. MasTec, Inc. v. Suncoast Underground, Inc., 27 So. 3d 705 (Fla. 3d DCA 2010).
Won reversal in probate case. Burgess v. Prince, 25 So. 3d 705 (Fla. 2d DCA 2010).
Won reversal of a $55 million judgment in a health care case. Keith v. ManorCare, Inc., 218 P.3d 1257 (N.M. Ct. App. 2009).
Pro Bono
Sarasota Herald-Tribune v. State, 916 So. 2d 904 (Fla. 2d DCA 2005).
Wright v. State, 911 So. 2d 81 (Fla. 2005).
State v. Green, 887 So. 2d 1089 (Fla. 2004).
News & Insights
News
Publications
Speaking Engagements
"Preparing for Oral Argument," American Bar Association Litigation Section (October 29, 2026)
"The Clerk's Office and Motion Practice," Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, Tampa, FL (October 19, 2023)
"Appellate Law 2021 Year In Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 18, 2022)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 14, 2022)
"Our Appellate Courts: How It's Going — The Unrecorded Version," Hillsborough County Bar Association, Tampa, FL (December 15, 2021)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 11, 2021)
"Appellate Law 2020 Year In Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 19, 2021)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 13, 2020)
"Appellate Law Update: 2019 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 21, 2020)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 17, 2020)
"Electing the Electoral College," Pinellas County Young Republicans, St. Petersburg, FL (November 12, 2019)
"Panel Discussions on Brief Writing, Appellate Ethics, and How to Prepare for Oral Argument," The William A. Van Nortwick Appellate Workshop, Davie, FL (August 7–9, 2019)
"Working With Appellate Lawyers at the Trial Level," The Art of Objecting: A Trial Lawyer's Guide to Preserving Error for Appeal, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (June 5, 2019)
"A Roundup of Recent Appellate Decisions and a Look Ahead," Hillsborough County Bar Association, Tampa, FL (April 17, 2019)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (February 22, 2019)
"Florida Civil Procedure 2019 Update," Florida Department of Health (February 21, 2019)
"Constitutional Law," Pinellas County Teachers Law School, Largo, FL (February 18, 2019)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 14, 2019)
"Courts and the Right to Life," Florida Right to Life, Winter Park, FL (February 2, 2019)
"Appellate Law Update: 2018 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 15, 2019)
"Federal Appellate Practice in 2019: Trends, Pitfalls, and Hot Topics," Carlton Fields In-House Seminar, Tampa, FL (December 6, 2018)
"The No-Contempt Zone: Judges and Practitioners Share What Each Wishes the Other Knew," Appellate Judges Education Institute/Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, Atlanta, GA (November 9, 2018)
"Debating Florida's 2018 Proposed Constitutional Amendments," The Junior League of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg, FL (October 16, 2018)
"Florida's 2018 Proposed Constitutional Amendments," Pinellas County Young Republicans, St. Petersburg, FL (October 9, 2018)
"Merits Briefs," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 7, 2018)
"Boring Appellate Stuff That No One Should Care About — Except You," Hillsborough County Bar Association, Tampa, FL (April 18, 2018)
"Update for Trial and Appellate Lawyers: Decisional, Statutory, and Rules Developments," Carlton Fields (March 1, 2018)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 1, 2018)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 29, 2018)
"Preserving Issues for Appeal," Federal Practice Seminar, Federal Bar Association, Tampa, FL (July 13, 2017)
"Update You on Appellate Cases, Yoda Will," Hot Topics in Appellate Law: Appellate Forces in the New Millennium, The Florida Bar, Orlando, FL (May 4, 2017)
"Use and Effect of Key Appellate Doctrines," Hidden Essentials of Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (February 10, 2017)
"2017 Appellate Update," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 9, 2017)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 19, 2017)
"Appellate Law Update: 2016 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 17, 2017)
"Florida Civil Procedure," Paralegal Training Camp, Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, St. Petersburg, FL (November 11, 2016)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (October 14, 2016)
"Preserving Issues for Appeal," Federal Practice Seminar, Federal Bar Association, Tampa, FL (July 7, 2016)
"Forum on Judicial Topics," Pinellas County Young Republicans, St. Petersburg, FL (July 5, 2016)
"Merits Briefs Panel Discussion," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 9, 2016)
"A Closer Look at Social Media 2016," Wm. Reece Smith Jr. Litigation American Inn of Court, Tampa, FL (April 26, 2016)
"10 New Appellate Items We Ought to Know," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 11, 2016)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 4, 2016)
"Appellate Law Update: 2015 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 19, 2016)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 14, 2016)
"Issues on Experts: Florida's Significant Change From Frye to Daubert," Third Annual Appellate Forum for Trial Lawyers, Miami, FL (October 23, 2015)
"Appellate Practice," Stetson University College of Law, Tampa, FL (October 12, 2015)
"Appellate Brief Writing: The Facts," Successful Appellate Advocacy Workshop, The Florida Bar, Davie, FL (August 5, 2015)
"Preserving Issues for Appeal," Federal Practice Seminar, Federal Bar Association, Tampa, FL (July 17, 2015)
"Appellate Practice: Recent Developments in the Second District and Beyond," Breakfast and CLE With the Second District Court of Appeal, Hillsborough County Bar Association, Tampa, FL (March 4, 2015)
"The Rules of Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 26, 2015)
"Appellate Law Update: 2014 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review (January 20, 2015)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2015," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 15, 2015)
"Bar Sections & Exam Review Courses," The Florida Bar Certification Leadership Conference (September 18, 2014)
"Conservative Messaging," Pinellas County Young Republicans, Clearwater, FL (July 8, 2014)
"Merits Briefs Panel Discussion," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 5, 2014)
"Criminal Cases: What's Appealable and When," Annual Beach and Bar Seminar, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Pete Beach, FL (May 23, 2014)
"Tips for Effective Oral Argument in the Second District," Practicing Before the Second District Court of Appeal, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (May 16, 2014)
"15 Things I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (April 1, 2014)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (March 28, 2014)
"Social Media in Litigation," Carlton Fields In-House Counsel Forum, Orlando, FL (March 8, 2014)
"Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 17, 2014)
"Oral Argument Tactics," Appellate Practice Seminar, National Association of Attorneys General, Tallahassee, FL (January 28, 2014)
"Appellate Law Update: 2013 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 21, 2014)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2014," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 16, 2014)
"Presentation & Persuasion Skills," TAG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL (November 15, 2013)
"An Appellate Perspective on the New Daubert Standard of Admissibility," Daubert Seminar: The Change in Admitting Expert Testimony, St. Petersburg Bar Association (October 22, 2013)
"Discussion on Ethical Responsibilities," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 6, 2013)
"Civil Case Law Update," Hot Topics in Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Jacksonville, FL (May 17, 2013)
"Professionalism in Appellate Practice," Practicing Before the Fifth District Court of Appeal, The Florida Bar, Lake Mary, FL (April 5, 2013)
"How Not to Handle an Appeal," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (March 28, 2013)
"2012: The Year in Appellate Review, Key Decisions and Developments in Appellate Practice," Breakfast and CLE With the Second District Court of Appeal, Hillsborough County Bar Association, Tampa, FL (March 6, 2013)
"Panel Discussion on Motion Practice in the Eleventh Circuit," Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, Miami, FL (February 7–8, 2013)
"Appellate Law Update: 2012 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (January 22, 2013)
"Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Update & Board Certification Review (January 17, 2013)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2013," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (January 17, 2013)
"Presentation & Persuasion Skills," TAG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL (November 9, 2012)
"Impact of Bankruptcy on a Pending Appeal," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (September 18, 2012)
"Panel on Oral Argument and Ethics," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 7, 2012)
"Famous Florida Trials," Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, FL (March 21, 2012)
"Recent Developments You Need to Know," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 23, 2012)
"Appellate Law Update: 2011 Year in Review," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (February 21, 2012)
"The Art of Making Objections at Trial," St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 15, 2012)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2012," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 2, 2012)
"Civil Procedure," The Florida Bar Civil Trial Certification Review Course, Orlando, FL (January 26, 2012)
"Presentation & Persuasion Skills," TAG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL (November 11, 2011)
"Panel on Oral Argument," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 9, 2011)
"Practice in the Second District Court of Appeal: An In-Depth Look," The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (May 20, 2011)
"Can Corporate America Catch Up to the Social Media Frenzy, and Should It?," Product Liability Advisory Council, Coral Gables, FL (April 28, 2011)
"Topics in Appellate Law and Policy," Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, FL (March 16, 2011)
"The Future of Appellate Law," DRI Appellate Advocacy Seminar, Orlando, FL (March 11, 2011)
"Civil Case Law Update," Hot Topics in Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Jacksonville, FL (March 4, 2011)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2010," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Miami, FL (February 4, 2011)
"Presentation & Persuasion Skills," TAG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL (November 12, 2010)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (October 8, 2010)
"Amicus Briefs" and "Briefs in Support of and in Opposition to Requests for Discretionary Review," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 10, 2010)
"Famous Florida Trials," Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, FL (March 24, 2010)
"Important Lessons for Practitioners to Learn," Practicing Before the Fifth District Court of Appeal, The Florida Bar, Altamonte Springs, FL (March 5, 2010)
"Nuts & Bolts of Practice in the Second District," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (March 4, 2010)
"Significant Recent Appellate Practice Decisions," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 4, 2010)
"Presentation & Persuasion Skills for Attorneys," TAG Academy, St. Petersburg, FL (November 13, 2009)
"The Internet and Jurors: Modern Problems for Trial Counsel," Florida Defense Lawyers Association, Miami, FL (August 7, 2009)
"How to Perform Statutory Research," Carlton Fields In-House Seminar, Tampa, FL (July 10, 2009)
"Briefs in Support of and in Opposition to Requests for Discretionary Review," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 4, 2009)
"Using Social Networking and Web 2.0 Internet Sites for Research and Jury Selection," Florida Liability Claims Conference, Orlando, FL (May 28, 2009)
"Appellate Review of Non-Final Orders," Hillsborough County Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Seminar, Tampa, FL (May 1, 2009)
"Professionalism Discussion," Practicing With Professionalism, The Florida Bar, St. Petersburg, FL (February 28, 2009)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2009," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 13, 2009)
"Practice in the Second District Court of Appeal: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers," St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 12, 2009)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (November 13, 2008)
"Panel Discussion on Motion Practice in the Eleventh Circuit," Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, Atlanta, GA (October 24, 2008)
"Briefs in Support of and in Opposition to Requests for Discretionary Review," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 12, 2008)
"Florida Appellate Practitioners' Online Resource Guide 2008," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (May 20, 2008)
"Appellate Practice," Topics in Appellate Law and Policy, Florida State University College of Law, Tallahassee, FL (March 19, 2008)
"How to Help Your Trial Counsel Win at Trial While Protecting the Record for Appeal," AIG Healthcare Seminar, Jersey City, NJ (March 14, 2008)
"Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers," St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 13, 2008)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2008," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 1, 2008)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (October 5, 2007)
"Briefs in Support of and in Opposition to Requests for Discretionary Review," Practicing Before the Supreme Court, The Florida Bar, Tallahassee, FL (June 8, 2007)
"Top 10 Legal Websites You Never Knew About," Florida Liability Claims Conference, Orlando, FL (June 1, 2007)
"Florida Appellate Practitioners' Online Resource Guide 2007," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (March 20, 2007)
"The Separation of Powers Doctrine Under Florida's Constitution," Florida Constitutional Law, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL (March 12, 2007)
"Extraordinary Writs" and "Recent Developments in Florida Law 2007," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Miami Lakes, FL (February 23, 2007)
"Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers," St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (February 15, 2007)
"Internet Legal Resources" and "The Role of Appellate Courts," The Florida Bar Reporters' Workshop, Tallahassee, FL (November 30–December 1, 2006)
"What Orders Are Appealable?," Appellate Practice for the General Practitioner in Florida, Lorman Education Services, Tampa, FL (November 15, 2006)
"Civil Case Law Update," Hot Topics in Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Orlando, FL (November 3, 2006)
"Motion Practice in the Eleventh Circuit," Eleventh Circuit Appellate Practice Institute, Atlanta, GA (October 26, 2006)
"What's Appealable?," Basic Appellate Practice, The Florida Bar, Tampa, FL (September 8, 2006)
"Florida Case Law Update," Florida Defense Lawyers Association Annual Meeting, Duck Key, FL (August 4, 2006)
"Integrating Technology, Quality of Life, Professionalism, and Board Certification," Polish Your Practice Seminar, The Florida Bar, Boca Raton, FL (June 21, 2006)
"Decisions We Can't Wait to See," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (May 16, 2006)
"Family Law Appeals" and "Should You Appeal?," Practice in the Second District: A Seminar for Trial and Appellate Lawyers, St. Petersburg Bar Association, St. Petersburg, FL (April 12, 2006)
"The Separation of Powers Doctrine Under Florida's Constitution," Florida Constitutional Law, Stetson University College of Law, Gulfport, FL (April 5, 2006)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2006," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Tampa, FL (February 3, 2006)
"Internet Legal Resources" and "The Role of Appellate Courts," The Florida Bar Reporters' Workshop, Tallahassee, FL (December 8, 2005)
"The Media and High-Profile Cases," Hillsborough County Bar Association Appellate Practice Section Seminar, Tampa, FL (May 20, 2005)
"Florida's Economic Loss Rule: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask," The Florida Bar Appellate Practice Section (May 17, 2005)
"How Florida's Court System Handled the Terri Schiavo Saga," Capital Tiger Bay Club, Tallahassee, FL (April 15, 2005)
"How Florida's Court System Handled the Terri Schiavo Saga," Tallahassee Bar Association, Tallahassee, FL (April 5, 2005)
"Recent Developments in Florida Law 2005," The Florida Bar Advanced Appellate Practice and Certification Review, Fort Lauderdale, FL (February 4, 2005)
"Internet Legal Resources," The Florida Bar Reporters' Workshop, Tallahassee, FL (December 2, 2004)
View less
Blog Posts
Multimedia
Recognition
Honors & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America (2012–2027); Tampa "Lawyer of the Year," Appellate Practice (2016, 2023, 2025, 2027); Bet-the-Company Litigation (2024)
Chambers USA (2011–2026)
Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2007–2026)
Top 50 Tampa Bay Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2020–2021, 2023)
Top 100 Florida Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine (2012, 2020–2021)
Florida Legal Elite, Florida Trend (2006, 2009, 2011–2012, 2015–2020)
Most Effective Lawyers Award, Daily Business Review (2016)
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. See Awards Methodology.
Professional & Community Involvement
Professional & Community Involvement
Matt is a fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and a member of the American Bar Association, DRI, the Florida Defense Lawyers Association, and the Federalist Society. He is active in the Florida Bar, where he is a past chair of its Appellate Practice Section and its Council of Sections, and previously served the Appellate Practice Section as chair-elect, vice chair, secretary/treasurer, treasurer, and continuing legal education committee chair, along with terms on its executive council. He is also a former chair of the St. Petersburg Bar Association's Appellate Practice Section.
Matt is a former chair of the board of trustees of American Stage Theatre Company, on which he has also served as vice chair, secretary, and member, and a former chair of the finance council of St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Beyond the Bio
Matt's appellate wins include reversal of a $1.1 billion judgment and several cases of first impression. Earlier in his career, he served as deputy solicitor general of Florida. He is also the editor of Carlton Fields' Florida Appeals Court Decisions, which publishes weekly updates and case summaries covering Florida's appellate courts, the Florida Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Outside the office, Matt is a longtime marathoner and running coach. He has completed more than 60 marathons, including one in each of the 50 states. He has run many of the country’s largest marathons, such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Walt Disney World, Marine Corps, and Houston, but his favorite ones have been the smaller races in the heartland. For years, he has coached other runners and led long-distance relay teams across the country, including as head coach of a Tampa Bay marathon training program.
Related Capabilities
Bar Admissions
Court Admissions
Certifications
Appellate Practice
Clerkships
- Hon. Jacqueline R. Griffin, Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal
Education
J.D., cum laude, Tulane University Law School
B.A., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
