Introduction
Matthew Costello is an associate in Nixon Peabody’s Complex Commercial Disputes practice group. He is an experienced litigator and represents clients in complex litigation matters at both the state and federal level.
My focus
I represent clients in all stages of complex litigation and counsel clients in anticipation of litigation. In helping clients manage risk in navigating complex business matters, I strive to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation whenever possible. My focus is on efficiently helping clients achieve their desired results and business goals.
Representative experience
Before joining Nixon Peabody, Matthew was a litigation associate at a boutique law firm and a top 50 Am Law firm, where he was a summer associate. Matthew previously served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. William E. Smith of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island and the Hon. Gilbert V. Indeglia of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. During law school, Matthew was a judicial intern for the Hon. Timothy S. Hillman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and a legal intern for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
The below representative experience includes representations from prior firms.
- Representing Boston-based brewery in a purported class-action securities fraud case in the Southern District of New York and Second Circuit Court of Appeals
- Defending major health insurance company in multi-count commercial suit brought by medical device company in District of Massachusetts
- Representing major financial services and investment company in multidistrict litigation class action in District of Massachusetts regarding alleged data breach
- Defending leading global provider of kitchenware products in commercial dispute in Massachusetts Superior Court and Appeals Court
- Defending global financial services and bank holding company in multi-count suit by broker-dealer alleging conspiracy to violate federal banking laws in connection with alleged non-party Ponzi scheme
- Secured full dismissal of Section 1983 action by disbarred attorney against retired Massachusetts State Police Lieutenant in District of Massachusetts
- Obtained favorable settlement for real-estate-developer client in multi-party real estate dispute in Massachusetts Superior Court
- Obtained favorable settlement for Boston-based real estate developer in suit alleging unpaid commission by real estate broker related to multi-unit residential property
- Member of trial team that achieved successful outcome for client in fiduciary litigation in Massachusetts Superior Court
Looking ahead
As clients continue to resist rising litigation costs, I see continued efficiencies in the practice of law and an increased demand for alternative-fee arrangements. I also see continued use of virtual court proceedings.
In the news
- The Boston Globe
Boston Beer Co. scores a win on lawsuit over Truly hard seltzer sales
Nov 29, 2023This article quotes Boston Complex Disputes partner George Skelly on Boston Beer Co.’s complete victory in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, a decision that affirmed a District Court dismissal of a proposed securities class-action lawsuit against the company. The NP team also included Boston Complex Disputes partner Morgan Nighan, Rochester Privacy and Technology partner Rick McGuirk, Boston Corporate senior counsel Fred Grein, New York City Complex Disputes partner Chris Mason, Boston Privacy and Technology counsel Ronaldo Rauseo-Ricupero, Boston Complex Disputes associate Matt Costello, and Boston paralegal Erin MacMahon. In addition to the Globe article, The American Lawyer also highlighted the Boston Beer victory in its Litigation Daily column on Tuesday.
- Law360
Second Circuit shelves investor suit over hard seltzer sales
Nov 22, 2023This article covers a Second Circuit Court of Appeals decision affirming a District Court ruling that dismissed a proposed securities class-action lawsuit against Boston Beer Co., scoring a complete victory for the company. The NP team included Boston Complex Disputes partners George Skelly and Morgan Nighan, Rochester Privacy and Technology partner Rick McGuirk, Boston Corporate senior counsel Fred Grein, New York City Complex Disputes partner Chris Mason, Boston Privacy and Technology counsel Ronaldo Rauseo-Ricupero, Boston Complex Disputes associate Matt Costello, and Boston paralegal Erin MacMahon.
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
Rhode Island
U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts
U.S. District Court, District of Rhode Island
Education
Suffolk University Law School, J.D., magna cum laude; Managing Editor, Suffolk University Law Review
Fitchburg State University, B.S., cum laude
Professional activities
- Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association, Co-Chair and Board Member
- Massachusetts Bar Association Complex Commercial Litigation Section Council
- National LGBTQ+ Bar Association
- Massachusetts Bar Association Leadership Academy, 2023–24
- Suffolk University, Moot Court instructor
- Nixon Peabody LGBTQA Resource Group
Recognition
- Selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2025 in the field of Commercial Litigation; Listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch since 2024
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers’ Rising Star, 2023—2024
Insights And Happenings
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View AllAnthony Barron
Partner / Chair, Litigation Department- San Francisco
- Office:+1 415.984.8309
- abarron@nixonpeabody.com
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Robert Fisher
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Government Investigations & White Collar Defense- Boston
- Office:+1 617.345.1335
- rfisher@nixonpeabody.com
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Jenny L. Holmes
Partner / Deputy Leader, Cybersecurity & Privacy- Rochester
- Office:+1 585.263.1494
- jholmes@nixonpeabody.com
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John Ruskusky
Partner / Practice Group Leader, Complex Disputes- Chicago
- Office:+1 312.977.4460Mobile:+1 708.606.8720
- jtruskusky@nixonpeabody.com
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