Matthew A. "Matt" Rich

Matt Rich has always been most comfortable in a courtroom, and nothing has changed since his mock trials have become actual trials.

What has changed is that, in employment law, Matt has discovered a practice area that strives to avoid disputes before they arise. In fact, some of his favorite days in the office are spent on the telephone talking with employers in the Greater Cincinnati area, advising them on important hiring, firing, discipline and personnel policy matters and educating them on employment-related compliance issues.

Matt frequently works with company executives and human resources personnel to develop strategies for handling delicate employee situations, including those that may entail or foreshadow the end of the employment relationship. He understands that whether a company is losing one employee or reducing headcount on a larger scale, these are difficult and weighty decisions that impact real lives and should be made only after careful consideration. He helps employers achieve peace of mind by thoroughly discussing options and outcomes in advance, and then crafting the appropriate written materials to record or implement the chosen strategy.

While the goal is to mitigate the risk of employee claims down the road, sometimes even the most carefully weighed and documented decisions wind up before courts or administrative agencies. Matt handles all aspects of the litigation of these claims or charges, as well as representing privately-owned businesses in general commercial and business litigation, contract disputes or creditor’s rights matters.

In addition to his employment and litigation practice, Matt serves as the Katz Teller's Meritas® contact for employment and litigation matters. Matt is the chair of the firm’s recruiting committee, chair and permanent member of the firm's administrative committee, and a member of the firm's marketing and strategic planning committees.