Matthew A. Chiricosta

While Matt has significant experience litigating complex insurance disputes on behalf of policyholders when such disputes become unavoidable, he brings a proactive, problem-solving approach to complex insurance coverage matters. Matt’s problem-solving mindset seeks to achieve favorable coverage outcomes for clients in lieu of time-consuming coverage litigation.

As a member of the White-Collar Defense and Investigations group, Matt represents public and privately held clients in internal investigations and state and federal governmental investigations.  

As a member of the Employee Benefits Litigation group, Matt represents clients in ERISA disputes in federal court and assists ERISA fiduciaries and plan sponsors in proactively complying with their ERISA obligations.

In addition to his Insurance Recovery, White-Collar and Investigations, and Employee Benefits practices, Matt also maintains a diverse general business litigation practice representing closely held and publicly traded business clients on a wide variety of commercial matters. Matt has litigated disputes involving business torts, contracts, employment, and trade secret matters in state and federal courts nationwide at all stages of litigation, including trials, post-trial proceedings, and appeals.

Since 2022, Matt has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer by Chambers USA in Insurance Law, most recently ranked in Band 3 in Ohio (2023). Chambers researchers noted, "Matthew Chiricosta has in-depth experience of providing insurance coverage and litigation counseling to clients. He regularly advises clients from a wide range of industries including education, healthcare, and manufacturing." Clients interviewed by Chambers USA stated, "Matt is outstanding to work with. He is responsive, knowledgeable, and lays out the fact patterns well."

Matt serves as a member of the firm's Associates Committee.

He is an active participant in the Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers Program, where he represents underprivileged clients in various litigation matters on a pro bono basis.

Honors & Recognitions

• Chambers USA, Insurance Law, Band 3, Ohio (2022-2023)
• Benchmark Litigation's “40 & Under List" and "Future Star" – Midwest and Ohio: Insurance Litigation (2022-2024)
• Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law (2021-2024)
• Ohio Super Lawyers, Ohio Rising Stars, Insurance Coverage (2015-2023)

Education

J.D., summa cum laude, Cleveland State University College of Law, Cleveland State Law Review Research Editor, 2012

B.A. in Political Science, magna cum laude, Allegheny College, 2009

Experience

• Obtained insurance coverage for privately held client in connection with potentially high-exposure toxic tort claims, causing large liability insurer to reverse several coverage denials prior to filing of coverage litigation.
• Obtained insurance coverage for privately held client in connection with “bet the company” shareholder litigation.
• Obtained favorable resolution of corruption investigation, resulting in the closing of the investigation with no charges against Calfee’s client.
• First-chaired a bench trial obtaining a permanent injunction and monetary judgment for public utility client.
• Following briefing and oral argument, obtained a unanimous decision from Ohio’s 8th District Court of Appeals resulting in a judgment entitling Calfee’s client to advancement of his litigation expenses during the pendency of litigation and the creation of new law involving Ohio’s corporate advancement statute.
• Following briefing and oral argument, obtained a unanimous decision from Ohio’s 8th District Court of Appeals affirming the total dismissal of an equitable reformation claim relating to a $1.343 million real estate transaction. 
• Obtained early dismissal with prejudice of claims brought by the seller in connection with a $1.3 million real estate transaction.
• While representing a large Northeastern Ohio municipality, obtained from the Ohio Supreme Court a favorable ruling on the merits in a $1.2 million municipal income tax refund case.
• Obtained summary judgment in the amount of more than $580,000, including attorney's fees and interest, in favor of one of Calfee's privately held clients.
• Obtained total summary judgment and dismissal of ERISA pension claims brought against one of Calfee’s large publicly held clients.
• Obtained injunction freezing the assets of four defendants in a multi-million-dollar ERISA health benefits dispute arising out of the mismanagement and underfunding of the welfare plans of one of Calfee’s large publicly held clients.
• Obtained dismissal in the trial and appeals courts of multi-million-dollar employee severance contract claims brought by former executives against one of Calfee’s large publicly held clients.
• Obtained favorable settlement in federal tax refund case for one of Calfee’s large public clients, resulting in a tax refund of more than $1 million.
• Obtained favorable judgment on multi-million-dollar breach of fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy claims brought against Calfee’s client.
• Obtained dismissal of original action brought against an Ohio public official in the Ohio Supreme Court.
• Obtained favorable early settlement of product warranty claims brought by one of Calfee’s publicly held clients, resulting in a seven-figure monetary settlement for Calfee’s publicly held client.
• Obtained injunctive relief on behalf of private real estate developer, allowing multi-million-dollar construction project to resume.
• Obtained from the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals the reversal and remand of an erroneous federal district court ruling while representing an indigent criminal defendant in a federal habeas corpus proceeding.

Professional & Community

• Legal Aid Volunteer Lawyers Program, represents economically disadvantaged clients in various litigation matters on a pro bono basis

Client Feedback

• "Matthew is knowledgeable, experienced, and creative He has always been incredibly responsive and available at a moment's notice." – Chambers USA 2023 client quote
• "Matt's a favorite because he's very smart, hard-working, and detail-oriented." – Chambers USA 2023 client quote
• "Matthew has very good technical expertise, coupled with good practical advice." – Chambers USA 2023 client quote