With a background in landscape architecture, Matthew represents clients in construction and development matters, advising them on transactional matters and risk mitigation by applying his experience to counsel owners and developers.

Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Matthew focuses his practice on representing owners and developers (including REITs) on complex issues arising from residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout the U.S. He represents clients in an array of real estate projects, including new commercial and residential high rise towers, the repositioning of existing commercial and hotel buildings, airport and infrastructure projects, and other mixed-use developments. He draws on his background in landscape architecture and experience in defending clients from construction related claims to identify and resolve potential issues that may arise during the course of projects.

  • Advised a financial services client in the selection and negotiation of project related agreements and evaluation of risks associated with $1 billion renovation of landmarked hotel in New York City.
  • Provided general advisory services to the legal team of an international real estate company assisting with new developments and improvements to existing portfolio.
  • Evaluated and provided direction to clients in response to COVID-19 delay and compensatory claims arising from pandemic and related cease work orders.
  • Counseled owners in the implementation of project labor agreements for skyscraper and airport projects in order to increase labor harmony, incorporate use of new technologies for design and construction of projects, and increase safety requirements for union workers.
  • Drafted and negotiated manuscript agreements for the design and construction of projects, including access and license agreements, architect and engineer agreements, general contractor agreements, construction management agreements, design-build agreements, remediation agreements, and development management agreements.
  • Prevailed in the defense, which was later upheld on appeal, of client against a premises liability claim.
  • Advised international hospitality corporation in response to claims arising from renovations to clients United States hotel portfolio.
  • Represented Manhattan townhouse owners through trial to pursue affirmative claims against a state agency for damages caused by roadway and bridge construction.
  • Defended an architect and structural engineer against claims exceeding $200 million arising from the settlement of an existing residential skyscraper.
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch: Construction Law (2022-2025), Litigation – Construction (2022-2025)
  • New York Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2016-2023)

Matthew focuses his practice on representing owners and developers (including REITs) on complex issues arising from residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects throughout the U.S. He represents clients in an array of real estate projects, including new commercial and residential high rise towers, the repositioning of existing commercial and hotel buildings, airport and infrastructure projects, and other mixed-use developments. He draws on his background in landscape architecture and experience in defending clients from construction related claims to identify and resolve potential issues that may arise during the course of projects.

  • Advised a financial services client in the selection and negotiation of project related agreements and evaluation of risks associated with $1 billion renovation of landmarked hotel in New York City.
  • Provided general advisory services to the legal team of an international real estate company assisting with new developments and improvements to existing portfolio.
  • Evaluated and provided direction to clients in response to COVID-19 delay and compensatory claims arising from pandemic and related cease work orders.
  • Counseled owners in the implementation of project labor agreements for skyscraper and airport projects in order to increase labor harmony, incorporate use of new technologies for design and construction of projects, and increase safety requirements for union workers.
  • Drafted and negotiated manuscript agreements for the design and construction of projects, including access and license agreements, architect and engineer agreements, general contractor agreements, construction management agreements, design-build agreements, remediation agreements, and development management agreements.
  • Prevailed in the defense, which was later upheld on appeal, of client against a premises liability claim.
  • Advised international hospitality corporation in response to claims arising from renovations to clients United States hotel portfolio.
  • Represented Manhattan townhouse owners through trial to pursue affirmative claims against a state agency for damages caused by roadway and bridge construction.
  • Defended an architect and structural engineer against claims exceeding $200 million arising from the settlement of an existing residential skyscraper.
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Ones to Watch: Construction Law (2022-2025), Litigation – Construction (2022-2025)
  • New York Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2016-2023)
  • Pro bono assistance provided to 14+ Foundation (the goals of which include expanding community, educational, and infrastructure resources in Zambia) and the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, New York, NY
  • Construction Industry Forum, American Bar Association
  • Landscape designer, AECOM, 2007-2009

Education

  • Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, J.D., 2012
  • University of Georgia, B.L.A., 2007

Bar Admissions

  • Georgia
  • New York
  • District of Columbia

Court Admissions

  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
  • Guest lecturer, Masters of Landscape Architecture Professional Practice class, Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York, Nov. 12, 2013.