Matt Fairless’ practice is primarily litigation devoted to the representation of lenders, cities and general business clients. He has tried cases to juries and before judges in federal and state court on a wide-range of matters, including claimed violations of civil rights, discrimination claims, employment discrimination, professional negligence, contracts, partnership disputes, construction, mechanics’ lien, real estate and probate matters.
Among other significant matters, Matt was successful in a bench trial defending the Lakeside 370 Levee of the City of St. Peters against multiple challenges. The Cole County judgment was affirmed by the Missouri Supreme Court. He also defended a municipal client on § 1983 claims, obtaining a reversal of the jury award and judgment for his client before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition, he obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial in St. Clair County, Illinois, in a suit alleging lender liability.
Practice Areas- General Municipal Representation
- Construction Litigation
- Civil Rights Defense
- Commercial Litigation
- Employment Law Defense
- Lender Liability
- Real Estate Litigation
- Commercial and Residential Real Estate Transactions
- Condemnation
- Business Formation and Corporate Law
- Estate Planning and Probate
Education and Academic Honors
- University of Missouri-Columbia School of Law, J.D., 1991, Law Review
- University of Missouri – Columbia, B.A., honors in English and Economics, 1988
Prior Experience
- Thompson Coburn LLP
Partner, 1999
Associate, 1991-1999
Professional Affiliations
- The Missouri Bar
- Illinois State Bar Association
- The Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Missouri Municipal Attorneys’ Association
Admissions
- Missouri
- Illinois
- United States Court of Appeals, Eighth Circuit
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Missouri
- United States District Court, Western District of Missouri
Charitable and Civic Involvement
- Boone Center, Inc.
President of Board, 2005-2009
Board Member 2001-2009 - Kiwanis of St. Charles
Past President, 2005
Board Member, 2002-2008
Member, 2002-Present
