Background

After law school, Matt served as a two-year term law clerk to the Hon. Thomas B. Russell, United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Matt joined Whitlow, Roberts, Houston, & Straub, PLLC thereafter as an associate in 2019. Matt became a partner at Whitlow in 2024.

Experience

After practicing a wide range of areas of law as an associate, Matt ‘s practice is now mainly focused in the areas of employment and maritime law, both in state and federal court.

In the area of employment law, Matt has advised and represented employers regarding personnel issues and in litigation involving alleged discrimination, wrongful termination, civil rights claims and wage and hour disputes. Matt has presented to both legal and HR groups on the pertinent topic of legal concerns regarding remote workers and the “must haves” for an employer’s remote worker policy.

In the area of maritime law, Matt has provided dependable counsel during incident investigations and Longshore claims, as well as represented clients in litigation involving Jones Act claims, Limitation of Liability actions, unseaworthiness claims, and more.

Licenses and Admissions

• Tennessee Bar, 2017 • Kentucky Bar, 2019 • United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, 2020

Education

· Georgetown College, B.A., summa cum laude, 2012

· Vanderbilt University Law School, J.D., 2017 – Student Writing Editor, Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law – Community Service Opportunities Director, Vanderbilt Legal Aid Society

Recognitions and Achievements

· Selected Kentucky Super Lawyers Rising Star 2023-2025 

Community Involvement

· Joint Sewer Agency Board of Directors

· Rotary Club of Paducah

· Propeller Club of Paducah

· United Way Reading PALS

 Personal

Matt lives with his wife, Caroline (a Paducah native), and three children in Paducah, Kentucky.