Matthew J. McColgan is a  key player in the firm’s transportation practice, defending trucking and transportation companies in cases ranging from catastrophic injuries to property damage and cargo claims. He also handles premises liability and other casualty matters.

Matt’s practice consists not only of defending matters in suit, but also providing 24/7, real-time support to investigate accidents and losses when they occur in order counsel clients on proactive risks mitigation.  Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Matt practices in all relevant state and federal courts.

His work is deeply rooted in fully understanding his clients’ business and industries, providing a sophisticated and tailored defense in various styles of cases. This ranges from trucking accidents, products liability, premises liability, motor vehicle accidents, food contamination claims, and significant casualty matters.  Throughout Matt’s career, he has had the privilege of representing a variety of clientele in various sectors, including: motor carriers; freight brokers; supply chain; third party logistics; commercial truck rental and leasing; product/equipment manufacturers and distributors; hospitality, construction and property management; professional engineers; ride share and delivery technology; gig/access economy;  full service oil; credit and lending; and, home care businesses. 

As a trial attorney, Matt understands the best resolution strategy is to be trial-ready. He emphasizes efficiency by identifying cases that merit early resolution, while focusing on responsiveness to his client’s questions and business objectives.  Whether advising on claims involving complex commercial vehicle dynamics, contract disputes, coverage issues, or operational safety, Matt delivers tailored legal guidance backed by courtroom readiness.

In addition to his trial and litigation practice, Matt serves as an arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.  Matt earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA (now Commonwealth Law School).  His love for trial work started during his time as an intern with the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he represented indigent clients at preliminary hearings and formal arraignments, and successfully tried a case before a jury to verdict while in law school, resulting in an acquittal. He also worked with a boutique family law firm, in which he assisted a county-appointed conciliator in custody-related matters. Matt graduated from Widener having achieved Dean’s List and receiving Pro Bono Service distinction.

Education

Temple University,
B.A. Philosophy: Pre-law, 2011

Widener University Commonwealth Law School
Juris Doctorate, 2014

Court Admissions

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

State of New Jersey

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania

U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Professional Affiliations

  • ALFA International – Steering Committee Member: Transportation Practice and Gig Economy Practice Groups
  • New Jersey Defense Association
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel – Executive Committee Member
  • Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) – Young Professional Committee Member

Honors & Awards

Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
Rising Star, 2024

Amicus Curie Brief

Matt prepared an Amicus Curie brief on behalf of Philadelphia Association of Defense Counsel relating to issues involving disclosure of communications with non-managerial employees by outside counsel and counsel’s related work product.

Speaker at CLE-accredited Luncheon

Matt presented as speaker at CLE-accredited luncheon on favorable Superior Court decision in September 2019.

Summary judgment in Union County, New Jersey

Matt successfully prepared, argued and obtained summary judgment in Union County, New Jersey on claim stemming from a physical altercation between Plaintiff and Company employee/driver, which resulted in orbital reconstruction surgery where altercation took place beyond scope of employment.

Transfer of Philadelphia County lawsuit

Successfully petitioned for transfer of Philadelphia County lawsuit filed against Pennsylvania Company to out-of-state jurisdiction where accident occurred in Indiana and neither Plaintiff nor key fact witnesses resided in Pennsylvania.

Summary judgment in Montgomery County, PA

Matt successfully prepared, argued and obtained summary judgment in Montgomery County, PA on major personal injury lawsuit alleging damage as result of Freight Company’s loading and packaging practices and policies.
May 22, 2025

Matthew J. McColgan Presents at the 2025 ALFA Transportation Seminar

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January 6, 2025

Full Dismissal in $70 Million Truck Accident Case in Pennsylvania

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October 30, 2024

Partner, Matthew J. McColgan Co-Moderates Panel at ALFA International’s 2024 Future Leaders Group Seminar

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