Matthew G. McNaughton

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Matthew G. McNaughton

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Matthew G. McNaughton

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Matthew McNaughton has achieved tremendous results for his clients, from Fortune 500 companies and municipalities to small business owners and individuals.

Matt credits his varied practice with providing him unique insights that he uses to efficiently and proactively address his clients’ needs.

When Matt takes on any matter, he prides himself on thoroughly understanding all the factual and legal issues at hand, going well beyond the surface to truly comprehend every relevant facet of the case or transaction. For example, when the Enbridge oil spill disaster happened and Matt represented the pipeline inspection company owned by GE Oil & Gas with respect to one of the largest in-land oil spills in U.S. history, he became a self-taught expert in the use of ultrasonic waves to identify defects in oil pipelines. He used that expertise, along with learning and exhaustively understanding a wide variety of other issues—including viticulture and damages to a not yet fully functioning novel business—to defeat the plaintiffs’ claims on summary judgment.

Clients, such as Piston Automotive, also come to Matt with their biggest issues and challenges before litigation arises because they know he adapts his problem-solving skills and varied experience to their specific needs. From pre-suit consultations to negotiating agreements, Matt has an advantage because he understands how matters can be argued in the event of future litigation.

In addition to working with significant private companies, Matt has extensive experience in representing governmental entities. Matt’s municipal litigation practice has concentrated on construction disputes involving consequential public infrastructure projects. For example, he represented the City of Dearborn on multiple matters relating to its over $300 million combined sewer overflow project. This representation included litigating numerous construction cases for Dearborn, defeating over $40 million in claims, and recovering over $30 million on Dearborn’s behalf.

In addition to representing clients in high-risk litigation, Matt’s practice also includes representing entities on complex business transactions and construction projects. Currently, Matt represents Wayne County with respect to the development and construction of its nearly $600 million Criminal Justice Center, which will house Wayne County’s criminal courthouse, prosecutor’s office, sheriff’s office, adult detention facility, and juvenile detention facility. Matt played a significant role in negotiating Wayne County’s contract with Daniel Gilbert’s Rock Development Company for the Criminal Justice Center’s development and construction, and he continues to provide Wayne County counsel and advice with respect to the myriad legal and business issues that arise in developing a public project of the Criminal Justice Center’s complexity and scale.

Matt graduated from the University of Michigan before earning his law degree, with honors, from The George Washington University Law School, where he was a member of The George Washington Law Review.

An avid traveler, Matt loves nothing more than exploring the world with his wife and three children.

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Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • State of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Education

The George Washington University Law School
Juris Doctor, with honors, 2003

  • Member, The George Washington Law Review

University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with class honors, 1999

Professional Groups

  • State Bar of Michigan

Honors & Awards

  • Michigan Lawyers Weekly Top Settlement for 2010