Matthew Ruggles is an associate in the Public Utility, Mass Torts, and Toxic Torts Practice Groups in the Philadelphia office of Lavin O’Neil Ricci Cedrone & DiSipio. He concentrates his practice on representing utility companies and utility service companies in property damage, personal injury, and business related matters.

Mr. Ruggles has defended many cases involving diverse claims for national corporations. He has gained substantial experience defending a wide variety of product liability, utility, and utility locating matters. He has handled many aspects of defense, including pre-suit investigations, discovery, motion practice, negotiation and settlement. He has worked closely with numerous corporate representatives and expert witnesses and has served as national liaison counsel in a variety of matters.

Examples of Mr. Ruggles’ experience include:

· Negotiated numerous favorable settlements for clients in complex litigation.

· Prepared and won numerous dispositive motions in Pennsylvania State Court.

· Tried and won matters on the municipal court level.

· Defended utility locating company in personal injury and property damage matters.

· Member of regional counsel team for mass tort defense; prepared pleadings and dispositive motions.

Mr. Ruggles earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers University School of Law – Camden in Camden, New Jersey, where he participated in the Civil Practice Clinic and was selected for the Advanced Civil Practice Clinic. He earned his Bachelors of Arts from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

Mr. Ruggles is admitted to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania state courts and the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and American bar associations.

Within the Lavin firm, the Board of Directors selected Mr. Ruggles to serve as part of the firm’s formal mentoring program for summer associates. He also served on the planning committee for the Annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon.

Personal

While practicing as an attorney, Mr. Ruggles has also dedicated himself to several local non profit organizations including, the Crew Team of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Hawk Rowing, Barclay Farm Swim Club, and Chatham Row Condominium Association.