Matthew A. White litigates a wide array of business disputes, including securities, mergers and acquisitions, commercial real estate, and complex construction cases (multiple parties, multiple claims and cross-claims, and potential exposure in excess of $10 million).
Matt has co-authored the definitive practice guide for the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas for over 20 years and has extensive arbitration and mediation experience, in addition to trying cases in state and federal court.
Experience
Representative Matters
- Defended a partnership and its managing partner in a dispute with a limited partner over the management of investment assets. Claims were in excess of $2 million. After a trial, Matt obtained a defense award, including award of attorney's fees in favor of the partnership.
- Lead lawyer representing a national retailer in a commercial lease dispute. Defeated the $9 million counterclaim on summary judgment. Proceeded to trial (AAA arbitration) and obtained a complete victory, including interest, costs of arbitration, pre- and post-award interest, and attorney's fees. The $2 million award was affirmed by federal district court and by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
- Lead lawyer defending a major investment bank against suitability claims brought by two plaintiffs in a FINRA arbitration. Potential damages totaled in excess of $5 million. After an eleven-day hearing in which one key witness admitted that she lied and another refused to answer a question on the basis that it would "hurt his case," the Panel, in a reasoned decision, granted a complete defense award ($0) against one plaintiff and minimal award (less than $45,000) against the other. The Panel denied the claimants' requests for punitive damages and attorney's fees.
Professional Highlights
Pro Bono Experience
Matt routinely represents citizens of Philadelphia whose title to real estate is threatened by fraud and tenants in landlord tenant disputes. Matt also participates in Wills for Heroes, drafting estate planning documents for first responders. He also counsels parents on issues surrounding their children's intellectual disabilities.
Professional Activities
American Bar Association
Philadelphia Bar Association, State Civil Litigation Section
Recognition & Accomplishments
Philadelphia Business Journal, 'Best of the Bar,' 2022
The Best Lawyers in America, Commercial Litigation (Philadelphia), 2013-2025
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell, 2012-2019
Speaking Engagements
Frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars on such topics as civil practice, temporary restraining orders and injunctive relief, and legal writing.
Board Memberships & Community Service
Jewish Family & Children's Services of Greater Philadelphia, 1999-present.
For almost 20 years, Matt has been General Counsel for the Jewish Family & Children's Services of Greater Philadelphia and a member of its Executive Committee.
Publications
The Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas Civil Practice Manual, 7th through 18th editions, 1995 to 2017
Credentials
Education
Vanderbilt University Law School (J.D. 1989)
Harvard University (A.B., cum laude, 1986)
Admissions
Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit