Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila

Partner

Clients rely on Matt Alva’s wise counsel and unflappable courtroom and boardroom demeanor to resolve their toughest civil litigation. Matt focuses his practice on product and premises liability matters, class actions, and mass torts. He also defends businesses in other complex commercial litigation and business disputes. Matt is known for his meticulous skill in preparing and trying his cases. He is also a deft negotiator when settlement best aligns with his clients’ business objectives.

With extensive experience serving as national coordinating counsel in large-scale multi-district litigation, Matt has a reputation for capably managing litigation and defense nationwide alongside his lead role on local work.

Matt has dedicated significant time to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. He serves on RSHC’s Associate Recruitment, Retention, and Attorney Development Committee, and was co-chair of the diversity committee and a member of the recruiting committee at his prior firm.

A former middle and high school history teacher, and a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a military family, Matt calls on the unique perspectives and skills gained from these experiences to foster his rich client relationships. Outside of the office, Matt is active in his local community, most recently as the current president of the Ravinia Parent-Teacher Organization. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Matt is the Deputy of the firm’s Product Liability, Mass Torts & Environmental Practice Team.

American Bar Association Section on Litigation Chicago Bar Association Member of Tort Litigation Committee Hispanic Lawyers Association of Illinois Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (JIOP) Ravinia Neighbors Association

Chicago-Kent College of Law, J.D., 2011 Hispanic-Latino Law Students Association, President Merit Scholarship University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, B.A., History, 2005 President’s Award Scholar