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 transportation matters in suit, but also providing 24/7 support to investigate accidents and losses when they occur and in counseling clients about how to manage losses pre-suit.  Matt’s practice covers all of  New Jersey and  Pennsylvania where he practices in all relevant  state and federal courts.  In addition, Matt assists in the defense of premises liability cases and other casualty matters.  Throughout Matt’s career, he has had the privilege of representing a variety of clients, including supply chain logistics, property management, full service oil, lending and home care businesses.  As a trial attorney, Matt understands the best settlement strategy is to be trial-ready. He strives to be efficient, to identify cases that merit early resolution, and to be responsive to his client’s business needs. 

Matt  earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA (now known as Commonwealth Law School).  His trial experience began during his time as an intern with the Dauphin County Public Defender’s Office. In that role, he represented clients at preliminary hearings and formal arraignments, and successfully tried a case before a jury to verdict, resulting in an acquittal.  Matt graduated from Widener having achieved Dean’s List and receiving Pro Bono Service distinction.

In addition to his trial and litigation practice. , Matt  serves as an arbitrator for the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

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

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 5, 2023

Matthew McColgan attended the 2023 ALFA Transportation Practice Group Seminar

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May 5, 2023

Matthew McColgan Attends the 2023 Young Lawyers' Seminar

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December 15, 2022

DEAR TRUCKERS: WINTER IS HERE IN PENNSYLVANIA

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