Matthew Nelson is a partner in the Firm's Grand Rapids office specializing in litigation at both the trial and appellate levels. Mr. Nelson advises clients in commercial and employment disputes. Additionally, he advises nonprofit and religious organizations regarding abuse prevention. He is also the Chair of the Firm's Appellate Practice Group.

Mr. Nelson has experience in all levels of state and federal courts. His appellate experience includes representing clients in the Indiana and Michigan appellate courts. Mr. Nelson is a co-founder of the WNJ Appellate Practice Group's One Court of Justice Blog, which provides comprehensive and timely analysis of the Michigan appellate courts.

Representative Experience

  • Tomecek v. Bavas, 759 N.W.2d 178 (Mich. 2008):  Obtained ruling favorable to plaintiffs in an easement dispute involving the Land Division Act
  • Echelon Homes, LLC v. Carter Lumber Co., 694 N.W.2d 544 (Mich. 2005): Successfully represented Michigan Bankers Association as amicus curiae in Michigan Supreme Court presenting arguments against broadening Michigan's statutory conversion law that were subsequently adopted by the court
  • Metro v. Amway Asia-Pacific Ltd., 2006 WL 2035510 (Mich. Ct. App. 2006): Part of WNJ team that persuaded Michigan Court of Appeals to reject $1 billion claim in class litigation alleging oppression and breach of fiduciary duty in a squeeze out
  • Sherrills v. Beison, 2006 WL 2701057 (W.D. Mich. 2006), aff'd 242 Fed. App. 332 (6th Cir. 2007): Obtained summary judgment against plaintiff's claims of racial discrimination and retaliation under Title VII and 42 U.S.C. § 1981. Affirmed on appeal by the Sixth Circuit
  • Ensquist v. Oregon Department of Agriculture, 128 S. Ct. 977 (2008):  Provided substantial assistance to plaintiff's attorney to successfully obtain a writ of certiorari from the United States Supreme Court
  • Gay v. Morgan (United States Supreme Court):  Represented the Defense Research Institute, the nation's largest association of defense attorneys, as amicus curiae in support of petitioner for a writ of certiorari from the United States Supreme Court
  • Paluscsak v. American Litho, Inc. (Northern District of Ohio):  Obtained summary judgment against plaintiff's claims of improper classification of plaintiff as an exempt administrative employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act
  • Indiana Insurance Co. v. Estate of Laurel Erb (Grant County, Indiana Circuit Court):  Obtain summary judgment against plaintiff and multimillion dollar settlement in an insurance coverage dispute

Honors and Awards

  • Named as a Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star - 2010-2011

Bar Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association

Publications

  • The Federal Pleading Standard:  A Year After Bell Atlantic v. Twombley

Professional Affiliations

  • Defense Research Institute
  • Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Community Affiliations

  • Dutton United Reformed Church
    Chair of Building Finance Committee

News

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