Matthew A Richards

Practice Areas

Matt Richards is a litigator who represents owners and general contractors in federal and state court construction litigation and in arbitration. He also has significant experience in antitrust, bankruptcy, and appellate law. In addition, Matt oversees Nixon Peabody’s award-winning pro bono program, which leverages the skills and experience of attorneys and staff to make a positive impact for our clients and communities.

CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

I represent public entities, private owners, and general contractors in all phases of construction, from counseling and contract drafting through litigation of complex construction disputes. When litigation is required, I develop and implement case-specific strategies, from pre-litigation claims investigation through fact and expert discovery to trial and appeal.

My background and experience in bankruptcy and appellate work uniquely positions me to address two key ancillary issues that frequently confront my clients as litigation unfolds—dealing with insolvent adversaries and defending favorable rulings, judgments, and verdicts on appeal. Having also litigated construction defect, mechanic’s lien, contract, insurance, indemnification, and statute of limitation/statute of repose issues from all sides, I can effectively advise our clients to minimize their risk.

COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

I litigate complex commercial matters in industries ranging from technology to logistics and insurance, and in a variety of practice areas, including antitrust, insurance, and trade secrets. I coordinate strategy for, handle administrative appeals regarding, and litigate all manner of FOIA and state public records act matters.

The construction industry is on the leading edge of structural changes that will fundamentally alter how services are delivered and projects are built. New technologies will raise new legal issues as well, as the law evolves.

Career

University of California, Berkeley, B.A.with distinction in general scholarship

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), J.D., cum laude (Order of the Coif; Thurston Society; Editor-in-Chief, Hastings International & Comparative Law Review)

Professional Memberships

AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, Member

American Bar Association, Appellate Judges Conference

Marin County District Attorney’s Office, Deputy District Attorney (2011)

UC Hastings Alumni Association

Admitted to practice

California

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

U.S. District Court, Central District of California

U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California

U.S. District Court, Northern District of California

U.S. District Court, Southern District of California