Matthew R. Duncan

Partner

Matt is a courtroom litigator and counselor whose primary goal is to problem solve and be his clients' advocate. He represents businesses, individuals, banks, property owners and families seeking solutions in areas of conflict. Matt is experienced in representing clients in:

  • Business and Commercial Litigation
  • Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy
  • Intellectual Property Infringement
  • Probate Litigation
  • Toxic Torts and Asbestos Litigation Defense
  • Foreclosures
  • Evictions
  • Employment Law Defense 

Matt is also experienced in advising governmental clients and as a part of that guidance provides policies, rules and regulations. 

In addition, Matt is trained in Title IX decision making, investigation, and advocacy in educational institution settings.

Contact Information

75 East Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
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Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., cum laude
Wheaton College, B.A., summa cum laude

Overview

Matt's experience and knowledge of potential outcomes in litigation reduces his clients' risks. He represents his clients in a clear and understandable manner in order to convince a judge or jury of his client's position.  

Representative Experience

  • Trained Title IX decision maker, investigator, and advocate.

Creditors' Rights Experience

  • Represents banks and other lenders in loan workouts
  • Represents creditors in all facets of bankruptcies, including but not limited to: 
    • Objecting to bankruptcy plans and disclosure statements
    • Obtaining relief from bankruptcy stays
    • Defending preference actions and other adversary proceedings
    • Prosecuting fraudulent transfer actions
    • Defending objections to proof of claims
    • Making and enforcing demands for adequate assurance of future performance
  • Experienced in all areas of commercial and consumer debt collection, including but not limited to:
    • Wage garnishments
    • Account attachments
    • Debtor exams
    • Seizure and sale of personal property
    • Filing creditors’ bill actions
  • Handling foreclosure actions from filing through property sale and distribution of proceeds
  • Representing receivers and creditors in receiverships
  • Experienced with preparing, recording and enforcing mechanics' liens
  • Prosecuting fraudulent transfer litigation in state and bankruptcy courts, including the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel for the 6th Circuit
  • Preparing and filing UCC financing statements
  • Preparing reaffirmation agreements
  • Enforcing Cognovit Notes

Honors & Awards

  • Selected for inclusion in Ohio's Super Lawyers® - Rising Star™ (2012-2015) and Super Lawyers (2021-2024)
  • Ohio State Bar Foundation Community Service Award (2016)
  • Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce 30 for the Future Award Recipient (2013)

Courts & Bar Associations

  • Ohio Bar
  • Akron Bar
  • American Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association, Northern District
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit

Professional & Civic Affiliations

  • Leadership Akron Class 2016 - Member
  • The Love Akron Network - Board Member, Past Board Chair
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina & Stark Counties - Volunteer, Past Board Member, Past Board President
  • Scanlon/Bell Inn of Court - Member
  • Summit County Probate Court, Volunteer Guardian Program - Volunteer Guardian
  • Eastgate Alliance Church - Board Member, Secretary
  • Rahab Ministries - Past Board Member

Presentations 

  • "Resident Landlord-Tenant Law in Ohio," Lorman Education Seminar
  • "Residential Landlord-Tenant Law: Leases, Evictions, Litigation and Settlements," Sterling Education Services (2015)
  • "Landlord-Tenant Evictions, Court and Litigation," Sterling Education Services Seminar
  • "Residential Landlord-Tenant Law in Ohio," Lorman Education Seminar
  • Akron Board of Realtors Mock Trial on Landlord-Tenant Disputes
  • "Fiduciary Duties of Nonprofit Board Members," Ohio Youth Soccer Association Workshop
  • "Risk Management and Fiduciary Responsibilities," Ohio Youth Soccer Association North Annual Meeting
  • "Advancing the Board: Board Leadership," Big Brothers, Big Sisters of America Workshop

Publications

  • "New Laws Seek to Modernize Foreclosure Process," Properties Magazine (2016)
  • Quoted in "New rules governing foreclosures set to take effect," Akron Legal News (2016)
  • "Common mistakes in product liability cases," Akron Legal News (2015)
  • "Municipal Permits for Fracking Struck Down," Properties Magazine (2015)
  • Quoted in "Late Rent Payments: Do's and Don'ts for Landlord," Akron Legal News (2014)
Contact Matthew Today!