Matthew Kennison

Partner

Location
Chicago
Phone number
(312) 857-2311

An experienced litigator and trial lawyer, Matt Kennison represents clients in high-stakes litigations and investigations, with a focus on antitrust, white collar investigations, and complex commercial litigation. Matt’s clients—which include global automotive suppliers, technology companies, higher education institutions, construction firms, and energy providers—routinely call upon him to handle complicated and difficult investigations and litigations across the country.

In addition to Matt’s commercial litigation and white collar practice, Matt also serves as a trusted adviser on behalf of clients across various industries, including health care, finance, education, and automotive, and assists clients in assessing and structuring internal compliance programs. Matt regularly assists clients in responding to DOJ, SEC, state Attorney General, and other regulators’ inquiries, and his collaborative and creative approach generates opportunities for clients to effectively address the government’s interest. Matt has also partnered with colleges and universities to act as the external investigator in highly sensitive Title IX investigations.

Prior to joining the legal profession, Matt served as a detective for the Long Beach Police Department, where he conducted criminal investigations into various felony crimes. The experiences Matt gained while working as a police detective, combined with his legal training and experience, make Matt a uniquely effective and elite investigator and litigator.

White Collar Crime and Internal Investigations

Conducted investigation for automobile dealership financing company into allegations of false reporting and inventory financing by company employees.

Conducted investigation for regional nursing home operator regarding a government inquiry into Medicare billing policies and procedures.

Conducted investigations for auto parts manufacturer into employee complaints of alleged violations of federal and state civil rights laws and Americans with Disabilities Act.

Conducted year-long investigation on behalf of major New York-based college into student and employee accusations regarding faculty misconduct, including sexual assault, academic integrity issues, and narcotics trafficking.

Conducted investigation on behalf of global asset management company regarding SEC inquiries related to FX trading.

Conducted investigation for private university regarding sexual misconduct by former professor.

Litigation

Defended athletic association in numerous litigations across the country, including antitrust, contractual disputes, and personal injury lawsuits.

Represented multiple global asset management firms in securities litigations involving a number of financial products, including equities, bonds, and derivatives.

Defended national insurance companies in multi-district class action litigations, civil investigative demands from governmental authorities, and federal RICO allegations.

Defended global transportation company in numerous personal injury actions in state and federal courts throughout the Midwest.

Briefed, argued, and ultimately prevailed in a shareholder dispute in the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Defended national chain restaurant from in class action alleging discriminatory actions against restaurant franchisees.

Represented global auto parts manufacturer in numerous supplier disputes.

Represented national fitness facility management firm in matters concerning breach of contract and various property tax disputes with local municipalities.

Represented banking industry corporate executive in investigation concerning fraudulent loans and kickbacks.

Defended large, private university in several litigations in which the plaintiffs allege violation of Title IX, Title VII, and various other related common law theories of liability.

Selected as part of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (Antitrust Law, 2021-2022; Criminal Defense: White Collar, 2022- 2025)

Named a Michigan Emerging Lawyer in Commercial Litigation by Law Bulletin Media Leading Lawyers (2024)

Named a Michigan Rising Star by Thomson Reuters’ Michigan Super Lawyers (2023)