Matthew J. Sekits

Full Profile

Matthew Sekits is an accomplished trial lawyer, who has successfully tried numerous cases to verdict. Matt defends corporate clients in high-stakes commercial litigation. Prior to joining Clyde & Co, Matt served as a Shareholder-in-Charge of a leading regional law firm and held a seat on its Board of Directors.

With over two decades of experience as lead counsel, Matt has navigated multi-million-dollar disputes involving liability and property insurance, business torts, shareholder conflicts, and catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims. He is also a trusted advisor to major insurance carriers and has led some of the Pacific Northwest’s most significant insurance coverage cases.

Known for his strategic thinking and ability to turn around challenging cases, Matt is often called upon to provide fresh insights and chart a new course when litigation becomes particularly complex. His business acumen—shaped by firsthand experience in the corporate world—enables him to connect with clients on a deeper level, understanding their operational realities and risk landscapes.

Clients value Matt’s thoroughness, creativity, and big-picture approach. His extensive trial experience informs sound decision-making and tailored strategies that position cases for optimal outcomes, whether through settlement or trial when necessary.

Matt is ranked in Chambers USA. Clients note that “his advice has been invaluable,” and what stands out to them is his “analysis and his ability to evaluate the matter as well as separate out the issues that are relevant and then to be able to explain it.” In addition, he “is diligent, careful, and mindful of business considerations. He is also strategic and willing to give direct advice when needed.”

Matt is frequently asked by the US State Department to assist in the return of abducted children under the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. In addition, he serves as a guest faculty member at Building Trial Skills Programs offered by the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA).

Admissions

• Oregon
• Washington
• US District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington
• US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Education

• J.D., University of Washington, School of Law
• B.A., with honors, University of California, Berkeley

Experience

• Commercial Litigation:
  • Lead counsel in the successful prosecution of over USD 1 million product liability and unfair trade practice claims through verdict against global manufacturer of household appliances arising out of a fire. The verdict was unanimously affirmed on appeal.
  • Lead counsel for national auto-parts manufacturer against over USD 5 million in breach of contract and unfair trade practice claims.
  • Successfully defended through verdict a prominent international vacation and hospitality provider against over USD 100 million in copyright infringement claims.
• Insurance:
  • Served as lead counsel for property insurers against numerous coverage and extra-contractual cases brought by, among others, state universities, hospitals, and a national hotel chain. Plaintiffs collectively sought over USD 500 million in damages arising out of business interruption claims incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. All cases were dismissed by the trial courts at the pleadings stage and those decisions from which appeals were sought were unanimously affirmed.
  • Served as lead counsel for property insurer regarding USD 50 million business interruption claim arising out of a power outage at a manufacturing plant in Beijing, China.
  • Advised liability insurer regarding potential exposure for multiple wrongful death claims arising out of the collapse of a crane during the construction of a Google office building.
• Catastrophic Personal Injury:
  • In a case that received extensive national media coverage, defended Part 121 airline in six-week trial for wrongful death arising out of a runway overrun accident. Plaintiffs—a widow and her two young children—sought over USD 113 million in damages at trial. The jury returned a verdict of USD 16 million, which was further reduced by Plaintiffs’ pre-verdict settlement with another defendant.
  • Successfully obtained the dismissal of spoliation of evidence claims arising out of a helicopter crash.
  • Served as lead counsel for regional pipeline drilling company sued for negligence arising out of blast injuries to its workers.
  • Successfully defended an ambulance company against a wrongful death claim arising out of the transport of a disabled passenger.