Matt Cloutier is a litigation associate whose practice focuses on complex civil litigation and appeals. He works with employers and organizations facing high-stakes disputes, bringing a strong background in high-level legal writing, strategic advocacy, and appellate practice developed through both government and private litigation.
Before joining the firm, Matt most recently served as an Assistant Solicitor General for the State of Tennessee, where he handled significant appellate matters in both state and federal courts. He has argued multiple appeals, including before the Tennessee Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and has led the drafting of briefs in the United States Supreme Court, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and other appellate courts. His work has involved a wide range of complex legal issues, including constitutional questions, federal-court jurisdiction, and administrative law – experience he now draws on when advising employers facing novel or high-impact legal issues.
Earlier in his career, Matt spent time in both government and private practice, where he handled matters across all stages of civil litigation, from pleadings and discovery through motion practice and hearings. Matt also served as a law clerk to Justice Sarah K. Campbell on the Tennessee Supreme Court where he worked on cases involving novel and unsettled legal questions and gained insight into judicial decision-making at the highest level – perspective that informs his approach to litigation strategy and risk assessment.
Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 2017
Cedarville University, B.A., Psychology, 2013
Matt’s experience spans both trial and appellate litigation, with a particular focus on complex and high-stakes matters that require careful legal strategy and precise advocacy
As an Assistant Solicitor General in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, he drafted briefs in the United States Supreme Court, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and argued multiple appeals in state appellate courts. He also played a key supervisory role, reviewing and editing briefing and advising on cases involving constitutional and other complex legal issues – skills he now applies when helping employers navigate challenging legal landscapes.
Previously, as an Assistant Attorney General, Matt handled litigation at all stages, including discovery, dispositive motion practice, and trial work. He has examined expert witnesses in federal court and argued appeals in both state and federal appellate courts. His appellate work spans dozens of cases involving a wide range of substantive legal issues.
Matt began his legal career in private practice, where he represented clients in state and federal litigation, drafted pleadings and motions, and advised on case strategy and risk.
