MATTHEW AMES is a Partner in the Atlanta office who specializes in business disputes. He joined the firm in September 1998. He was recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a Georgia Rising Star for 2005, 2006,2007, 2008 and 2009. Matthew's practice includes all facets of commercial litigation, employment litigation, and intellectual property disputes. Matthew's specific areas of focus are:
Sales and contract disputes: Matthew has successfully represented both buyers and sellers in sales disputes under Article II of the UCC. He recently obtained a significant judgment in the Middle District of Pennsylvania on behalf of a seller of sophisticated woodworking machinery. Matthew has litigated sales disputes in Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, and South Carolina.
Franchise disputes: Matthew recently obtained a $970,000 judgment and an additional $1,000,000 settlement on behalf of two franchisees in related constructive termination actions against their franchisor. Matthew has also successfully represented manufacturers in distributorship disputes.
Shareholder disputes: Matthew represents numerous individuals and companies in "business divorce" scenarios. He regularly works with forensic accountants and other experts in disputes over business valuations, fiduciary duties, shareholder agreements, and other matters pertaining to buy-outs or business dissolutions.
Property Disputes: Matthew has significant experience in representing both landlords and tenants in lease disputes. Most recently, Matthew defended on appeal a successful $850,000 verdict against the parent company of a tenant under an agency and piercing the corporate veil theories. Matthew also recently participated in obtaining a $5.8 million jury verdict on behalf of several condominium owners in a professional negligence action against a national engineering firm.
Matthew is active in the Atlanta Community and serves on several profit and non-profit boards. He presently serves as the President of Dad's Garage Theatre Company, one of the leading, innovative theatres in the Southeast.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- State Bar of Georgia
- Atlanta Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute (DRI), Business Torts SLG section
- Listed in Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2005-2009