Matthew J. Walters joined Zukowski, Rogers, Flood, & McArdle in 2024. He is an experienced attorney with particular skills in education and government law, with a proven track record of success in litigation and counseling clients. Adept at analyzing legal issues and quickly developing expertise in new areas in order to help clients achieve goals and navigate legal challenges, Matt is also highly skilled at building relationships with diverse audiences and advising executive leaders regarding legal and policy matters.
He demonstrates a particular focus on helping client achieve their ultimate goals, while keeping them apprised at each new development along the way. Since August of 2016, Matt has also been an adjunct faculty member of the DePaul University College of Law, teaching Advanced Legal Writing.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Illinois State Bar Association
Experience
Senior Associate: December 2023 – September 2024
Served as general counsel to approximately 200 school districts across the State of Illinois. Provide advice regarding general counseling and policy issues, litigation, and regulatory matters.
Senior Counsel April 2023 – December 2023
Served as senior attorney overseeing legal representation of township governments. Advise, counsel, and handle litigation on behalf of religious institutions, particularly with respect to child sexual abuse allegations.
Chief Assistant Corporation Counsel: December 2021 – March 2023
Assistant Corporation Counsel, Supervisor: June 2021 – December 2021
Lead attorney for the City of Chicago’s Legal Information and Prosecutions Division (“LIP”) of the Law Department comprising of six attorneys responsible for (1) City policies and procedures relating to data and information (2) legal counsel to other city departments concerning the retention of public records under the Local Records Act and (3) responding to requests pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”).
Associate Attorney: December 2017 – May 2021
Served as general counsel to over 50 suburban-Chicago school districts providing legal counsel to school boards and superintendents on contracting, district policy, and risk management. Advised school districts and leadership on contractual and privacy issues to minimize risk to district and avoid violating state and federal privacy laws regarding employees and students.
Senior Attorney: Chicago Transit Authority (“CTA”) July 2015 – December 2017
Practiced tort litigation for the second largest public transit agency in the United States. Provided pre- and post-litigation counseling and analysis to tort, personal injury, and other claims made against the CTA. Brief senior leaders regarding current and potential claims.