Matthew J. Fischer concentrates his practice on complex litigation, with a particular focus on product liability, mass tort and energy-related disputes.
He has experience in:
- Class actions
- Complex commercial litigation
- Personal-injury cases involving catastrophic loss
- Civil conspiracy litigation
- False Claims Act litigation
In addition to his courtroom work, Mr. Fischer serves as national counsel to multiple clients, with responsibility for the development, coordination and implementation of overall defense strategy. He has also served as settlement counsel in numerous cases.
Mr. Fischer has tried cases in multiple jurisdictions around the country. He has defended product liability suits involving:
- Industrial insulation and other building product
- Agricultural and construction equipment
- Confectionary products
- Juvenile products
- Original equipment supplied to the automotive and trucking industry
- Home furnishings
Mr. Fischer has litigated a variety of energy-related disputes in Illinois, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, New York, Kansas and Wyoming.
He has also served as an arbitrator in an AAA administered arbitration.
Publications
"Defeating the Claims of Asymptomatic and Unimpaired Plaintiffs," Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (3d Quarter 1997)
"The Equal Access to Justice Act: Are The Bankruptcy Courts Less Equal Than Others?" 94 Michigan Law Review 2248 (1994)
Speeches and Presentations
"Corporate Witnesses and Corporate Discovery," Mealey's Practical Skills Series: Toxic Tort Litigation (September 2003)
Pro Bono Activities
Mr. Fischer is active in Schiff Hardin's pro bono practice, having successfully represented a class of minorities subjected to racial profiling by a local municipality and dozens of low-income citizens through Schiff Hardin's street-side legal clinic on Chicago's far north side.
Awards and Honors
Best Lawyers in America, Mass Tort Litigation
Illinois Super Lawyers, General Litigation
Leading Lawyer — Class Action/Mass Tort Defense; Products Liability Defense Law, Illinois Leading Lawyers Network