Matthew T. Kemp

Partner, Litigation & Disputes Regional Service Line Leader

Matt is chair of Shumaker's Ohio litigation group. Known for his ability to present complex issues in clear and compelling ways, Matt has litigated business cases before courts and arbitrators throughout the country. Businesses turn to Matt to handle their most critical disputes—especially appeals and cases involving major motions on key legal issues. Clients appreciate his attention to detail and candid advice tailored to each individual case. Matt has particular expertise in:

Federal and state appeals
Franchise disputes (both franchisor and franchisee side)
Real estate litigation
Insurance coverage litigation
Contract disputes
Unfair competition
Trademark and trade dress disputes
Non-compete agreements
Lease disputes
Customer/supplier disputes

While some cases call for full trials and appeals, Matt is also trained in mediation and Early Dispute Resolution and is skilled at obtaining favorable settlements for clients while avoiding the cost and distraction of litigation.

Before entering private practice, Matt served as a law clerk to the Honorable Jack Zouhary of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. In 2022, the Ohio Supreme Court appointed Matt as a Commissioner on the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct. Matt has also served on the Ohio Bar Association's Commission on Judicial Candidates. He is a founding board member of the St. Thomas More Society of the Diocese of Toledo.

A former professional ornithologist and birding guide, Matt serves on the Ohio Ornithological Society's Bird Records Committee and is a past president of the Toledo Naturalists' Association. Matt and his wife Eleanor live in Whitehouse with their three active children.