Matthew B. Byrne

mbyrne@gravelshea.com

Matthew Byrne practices in all areas of business litigation and frequently represents clients in complex commercial cases. Mr. Byrne has represented large companies in cases involving multi-billion dollar exposure. Before joining Gravel and Shea, Mr. Byrne was a partner at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP, a large Chicago law firm. Mr. Byrne has appeared in both federal and state courts across the country.

Mr. Byrne's practice covers all facets of business litigation, including failed merger litigation, insurance coverage, contract disputes, trademarks, trade secrets, technology, and personal injury cases. Mr. Byrne has tried cases to completion before jurors, courts, and arbitration panels. Mr. Byrne has also sought and received emergency relief in a number of different factual contexts and judicial forums.

Education

• University of Chicago Law School, J.D., with honors, 1998
• University of Vermont, B.A., with honors, 1995

Representative Matters

• Represented large biotechnology company after the Department of Justice refused to approve merger and the target company sued. Case was successfully resolved with large biotechnology company reacquiring the target on superior terms and obtaining Department of Justice approval for the new deal.
  
• Represented national restaurant business in trade secret misappropriation case with hundreds of millions in claimed damages. Case was resolved on successful terms 12 hours before the start of trial.
  
• Represented industrial gas manufacturer in accident resulting in third degree burns over 40% of victim's body. Representation included successful insurance coverage and third party indemnification litigation.
  
• Represented franchisee in preliminary injunction proceeding involving the meaning of the language of a non-competition clause. After expedited discovery and contested evidentiary hearing, franchisee settled on favorable terms and retained the right to sell the product in question.
  
• Represented national restaurant chain in preliminary injunction proceeding to force franchisee to meet quality control guidelines. Case resolved on terms favorable to the client.
  
• Represented large automobile manufacturers and local dealers in month long trial challenging fuel economy regulations.
  
• Represented health information publishers at trial, where plaintiffs sought an injunction for violation of First Amendment rights.
  
• Represented individual in preliminary injunction proceedings where religious cult attempted to deprive individual of the use and enjoyment of property. After a contested evidentiary hearing, the Court denied requested relief.
  
• Represented telecommunications provider in defense of nationwide class action. The Court dismissed the case with prejudice.
  

Bar Admissions

• Illinois (1998)
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois (1998)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit (2000)
• Vermont (2006)
• U.S. District Court, District of Vermont (2006)
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (2007)

Memberships & Affiliations

• American Bar Association
• Vermont Bar Association
• Chittenden County Bar Association
• Vermont Association for Justice

Honors & Awards

Matthew Byrne was named a Vermont "litigation star" in Benchmark's 2010 Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys. In addition to Mr. Byrne's recognition, Gravel and Shea was identified as one of the leading litigation firms in Vermont.