Matthew Dowling

Biography

Matthew Dowling is an experienced litigator defending product liability and wrongful death claims arising from transportation and exposure to toxic substances. He has defended numerous transportation-related claims in federal courts throughout the United States. He has represented clients in the aviation, trucking, ride-sharing, and logistics sectors in cases involving catastrophic injuries allegedly caused by specific product failures, negligence actions arising from accidents on premises, and related employment claims. Matthew also defends professionals against all varieties of malpractice claims, including attorneys, real estate agents and brokers, home inspectors, general contractors, and architects.

Matthew has significant experience defending airlines in litigation nationwide, such as United, Frontier, and Republic. His most recent trial was in Cook County, Illinois, defending a wrongful death action alleging design defects with the autopilot manufactured by the defendant. This accident stems from an aircraft crash in West Virginia, resulting in the pilot's and four passengers' fatalities. After two weeks of trial, the jury returned a complete defense verdict for Matthew's client.

Clients retain Matthew to defend against new legal issues due to his creative approach to providing cost-effective case management and claims resolution. For example, when talc litigation started in Illinois, he spearheaded the defense of mesothelioma claims against manufacturers of cosmetic talcum powders. He has helped Fortune 500 companies navigate these cases and develop defense strategies.

Services

Education

  • University of Illinois Chicago School of Law  (J.D., 2013)
    • Executive Lead Articles Editor, Law Review
    • Trial Advocacy Honors Council
    • Moot Court Honors Council
    • Dean's List
  • Indiana University Bloomington  (B.A., 2010)

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois
  • Michigan

Courts

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Professional Affiliations

  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Honors

  • Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star (2018-2024)
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch (2022-2024)
    • Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
    • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
    • Transportation Law

Trials

  • Long v. Honeywell International, Inc., Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois

Charitable & Civic Involvement

  • Past Board Member, Friends of Mt. Sinai Children's Hospital

Presentations

  • “Environmental and Midwest Litigation Update,” panel presentation for national insurance company (October 2023)