Matthew J. Lautman

Overview

Matt is a trial attorney focusing on business litigation, construction litigation, and probate, estate and trust litigation matters. Matt represents his clients in both federal and state court, along with private arbitration and non-binding mediation.

As part of his business litigation practice, Matt handles breach of contract claims, shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, tort claims (including personal injury and property damage), fraud/misrepresentation, real estate disputes, and non-competition/ non-solicitation matters. As part of his construction law practice, Matt represents architects and engineers in design defect cases. Matt also represents clients in delay damage claims, wrongful termination matters, mechanic’s lien claims, along with claims involving the Pennsylvania Contractor and Subcontractor Payment Act and the Prompt Payment Act.

In addition, Matt represents individuals in probate, estate and trust litigation matters. This work involves representing executors, trustees, beneficiaries and agents in an array of matters, including removal proceedings, will contests, surcharge matters, accounting, and claims of breach of fiduciary duty and misappropriation.

Experience

Design Professionals and the Economi-Loss Doctrine: The State of the Law in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia
Elder Abuse is More Prevalent than You May Think
When it Comes to Collections, Construction Professionals Have Some Options Other Industries Do Not
Non-Compete Agreements Require Consideration
What Happens if an Insured Settles a Case Without the Consent of its Insurer?
Know the ‘American Rule’
Butler County Business Matters | 08.2015
What is Guardianship and How Does it Work?
Step aside subcontractors, open-ended mortgages take priority
What do I do with all that “stuff” my tenant left behind?
Mechanic’s Lien Law: A Legal Tool to Collect Construction Debt
Are You Your Mother’s Keeper?
Bankruptcy Preference Claims: Three Words You Don’t Want to Hear
Attorney-Client Privilege
The New West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeal Nears its First Cases
Understanding the Right to Know Law and Why Certain Documents may be Protected
Could the Organizing Business be Liable for “Overserving” at a Company Event Under Pennsylvania’s Dram Shop Law?
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Broadens the Scope of the “Piercing the Corporate Veil” Doctrine
Does My Dispute Have to be Decided in Private Arbitration?
Defending Against ADA Website Compliance Letters

Construction Projects: On Time and On Budget
Contract Law for Design Professionals
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure: Shaking Hands With the Rule
Protect Your Business Now in Case a Customer Stops Paying Later
Considerations When Dealing with a Distressed and/or Bankrupt Customer
The Fair Share Act: How It Changes Comparative Negligence in Pennsylvania
Mistakes that Cost your Business Money…and how to avoid them

Member, Allegheny County Bar Association
Member, Council of Trustees, Slippery Rock University
Former Member, Board of Directors, Oakland Planning and Development Corporation
Former Member, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council Trivia Bowl Planning Committee
Graduate, Leadership Development Initiative XVII

Education & Credentials

Education

University of Pittsburgh, J.D., Class President
Slippery Rock University, B.A.

Bar Admissions

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
State of West Virginia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia

Thought Leadership

Matt is actively involved in community activities. Matt is a Trustee on the Slippery Rock University Council of Trustees, his alma mater, and has served in this capacity since 2013. Matt chaired the Council of Trustees in 2015-2016, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022. Most recently, Matt served on the search committee charged with identifying SRU’s 18^th President. In addition, Matt established the Dr. Martin and Rena Lautman Memorial scholarship in memory of his grandparents, a partial scholarship provided to a qualified undergraduate with a concentration in political science.

Matt is also a member of the Borough of Seven Fields Planning Commission and the Allegheny County Bar Association.

In the past, Matt served as a board member of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, and a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council Trivia Bowl Planning Committee. Matt is a graduate of the Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative, XVII.

Best Lawyers in America®, 2024