Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila

Partner

In light of his output, there are people who believe that Matt Fischer has a secret clone for whom the term “multi-tasking” was invented. Others claim he’s the virtual eye of the storm, that calm and rational center where order is pulled out of chaos. So, although there is some disagreement about the exact nature of his superpowers, most agree that he has a few.

Thanks to his calm demeanor and dogged work ethic, Matt has often been called upon to resolve cases under difficult and challenging circumstances. In the courtroom and at the negotiation table, he is known for being courteous and professional and as relentless as waves pounding against a beach.

Matt understands that the path to a favorable resolution requires a formidable defense. He is a strong advocate for early and effective resolution backed by a credible and effective trial option. Clients and opponents both recognize his steadfast and powerful approach. He is frequently called upon by in-house counsel to partner with them on the design, coordination, and implementation of national strategies, including as a first chair trial lawyer and appellate advocate all with an eye towards the budgeting and management of defense costs. Matt’s “go bag” is always packed so he can reliably be wherever his clients need him. This unique combination of skills has led clients to ask Matt to prepare and defend their C-suite executives, key employees, and corporate representatives at trial and deposition.

Well-versed and experienced in the field of alternative dispute resolution, Matt has served as an American Arbitration Association arbitrator. He has crafted creative, positive, and workable settlement agreements, sometimes as specially retained settlement counsel, even after a long and difficult litigation process has made settlement unlikely.

Chicago Urban League, Board Member Equal Justice Works, Board of Counselors

University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1994, with honors      Order of the Coif Contributing Editor, Michigan Law Review, Moot Court Semi­ Finalist

University of Illinois at Urbana­ Champaign, B.S., Finance, 1989, with honors