Matthew Thomas joined Hall Matson, PLC as a Partner and trial attorney in 2023. Matt has devoted his career to the representation of defendants in professional and general liability actions, with a focus on the representation of healthcare providers, attorneys, insurance companies/agents and business entities. Throughout his career, Matt has had the privilege to successfully represent individuals and entities in various civil litigation matters, including medical, dental, legal and other professional liability actions; premises liability litigation; first and third-party auto and trucking actions; construction and other complex litigation; products liability; insurance coverage disputes; employment matters; civil rights violations; and various contractual and corporate matters.
As a litigator, Matt handles all phases of litigation from pre-suit through trial. He has achieved favorable results via motion and trial practice, to include many no cause defense verdicts. In addition to his litigation practice, Matt has also had an active appellate practice, having received numerous favorable decisions (published and unpublished) at both the state and federal appellate levels.
Prior to joining the Firm, Matt spent 19 years with the Detroit-based Law Firm of Rutledge, Manion, Rabaut, Terry & Thomas, PC, where he was a Senior Shareholder, Vice President and the Managing Partner/Personnel Director responsible for the oversight of the day-to-day operations and management of associate attorneys and support staff.
EDUCATION
- Wayne State University Law School
Juris Doctor
May 1999 - University of Detroit Mercy
Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude
May 1996 - Detroit Catholic Central High School
May 1992
LICENSURE AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Mr. Thomas is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, licensed to practice in all courts in the State of Michigan, and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan; the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan; and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Mr. Thomas is also a member of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel; Association of Defense Trial Counsel; DRI (f/k/a Defense Research Institute) and the Negligence Section of the State Bar. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Detroit Catholic Central Shamrock Bar Association.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS
- 2009 to 2014 Named “Rising Star” by Michigan Super Lawyers
- 2012 to Present AV Preeminent® (highest) Peer Review Rating by
Martindale-Hubbell - 2018 to Present Named “Super Lawyer” by Michigan Super Lawyers
- 2020 Named “Top Lawyer” in Malpractice Law by DBusiness Magazine
NOTABLE APPELLATE DECISIONS
- Iroquois on the Beach, Inc. v General Star Indemnity Co.,
550 F3d 585 (6th Cir.2008) - Peterson v Fertel,
283 Mich App 232, 235; 770 NW2d 47 (2009) - Lockwood v Mobile Medical Response, Inc.,
293 Mich App 17; 809 NW2d 403 (2011) - Gumina v 90, LLC.
Docket No. 312841, 2014 WL 265534, (Mich. COA. June 23, 2014) - Burton v Macha, et al.
303 Mich App 750; 846 NW2d 419 (2014) - Diaz v Longcore, et al.
No. 17-2502, 2018 WL 5096380 (6th Cir. Oct. 18, 2018) - Kendrick v Professional Property Management
Docket No. 341610, 2019 WL 1645240 (Mich. COA April 16, 2019) - Goff v Niver, et al.
Docket No. 343315, 2019 WL 2517861 (Mich. COA June 18, 2019)
MISCELLANEOUS PUBLICATIONS
- Author of Ex Parte Communication in a Post-HIPAA World.
Michigan Defense Quarterly, Volume 32, No. 4 – 2016; and
Presented at the Fall 2011 Eagle International Associates, Inc. Conference
New York, New York. - Co-author of Voir Dire: Permit us to do the job our clients expect.
Featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly, November 29, 2010. - Co-author of Joint & Several Liability – –
A Varied Landscape For The Sharing And Passing Of Liability.
Presented at the Fall 2010 Eagle International Associates, Inc. Conference
Chicago, Illinois.
PRESENTATIONS, SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Frequent lecturer regarding professional/general liability and risk avoidance to local and national insurance companies, healthcare providers, medical and professional schools, and businesses.
- Proctor and Supervisor for “medical malpractice” Residency rotation through Ascension St. John Hospital, Department of Emergency Medicine.
- Presenter of General and Professional Liability in Michigan. A claim professional’s guide to general and professional liability law in the State of Michigan.
2013 Global Indemnity Insurance Company Claims Seminar
Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania - Co-Presenter of Social Media…The Good, The Bad & The Funny! A defense attorney’s guide to social media.
2018 OMSNIC/Fortress Insurance Defense Counsel Seminar
Chicago, Illinois. - Presenter of Legal Requirements for Health Professionals. An overview of Michigan Law for Physician Assistants.
2023 Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dept. of PA Medicine
East Lansing, Michigan.