Matt Richardson, Atlanta-based partner in the firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group, was recently named a “Rising Star” by legal publication Daily Report in its annual listing of lawyers under 40 who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. We caught up with Matt to talk with him about the award and his other accomplishments, as well as marketplace trends.
A key factor behind your selection as a “Rising Star” is what you’ve accomplished in your career to date. What do you consider to be your biggest career accomplishment so far?
As a senior associate, I recognized that our international arbitration practice had tremendous promise but was underrepresented and had room to grow. I made it a focus to help build out and expand the practice. We now represent clients in several major international arbitrations. Being able to lead that charge is a point of personal pride and accomplishment.
Can you describe the type of work you do?
I’m currently working on a multibillion-dollar international commercial arbitration for a major technology company. It’s been one of the most complex and challenging cases I’ve ever worked on. Among other things, it involves issues of New York, French and Dutch law. The work has also been incredibly rewarding.
How has your practice changed? Are you seeing any new trends?
One of the biggest trends in international commercial arbitration is its increasing frequency. As more companies engage in cross-border transactions, they are increasingly using arbitration clauses to ensure that their disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently. We’re also seeing increased use of arbitration in the technology space to resolve complex disputes that are not well suited for resolution in court (for example, disputes over the proper calculation of complex royalty payments).
Outside of your client work, what are the other activities that keep you busy?
I serve as a board member and legal counsel for the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House. I’ve helped the group with fundraising and legal issues related to renovations to one of the Ronald McDonald facilities. It’s an extraordinary organization that serves as a home-away-from-home for families of children undergoing medical treatment in the Atlanta area. When not volunteering, I prefer to spend time at home with my wife, Alli, and our three children.