Matthew P. French

Matthew P. French is an attorney at Wisner Baum’s Los Angeles office, where he focuses his practice on the firm’s commercial transportation accident cases. Led by a strong desire to help people when they need it most, Matthew’s clients appreciate his empathetic approach to how he handles his cases.

Before coming to Wisner Baum, Matthew was an associate attorney at a Los Angeles area law firm where he focused on personal injury cases and handled all aspects of civil litigation.

KGO ABC7 News interviewed Wisner Baum wildfire attorney Matthew French about the Fire Victim Trust. Matt explained his Camp Fire clients’ frustration with the Trust. Watch it here.

Matthew P. French Attorney, Associate

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Locally & Nationally Recognized

A graduate of Southwestern Law School’s SCALE 2-year accelerated JD program, Matthew externed for a Federal District Court magistrate judge and an assistant city attorney. As a Judicial Extern in California's Central District of the United States District Court, Matthew performed legal research, drafted orders, attended settlement and discovery conferences and hearings, and observed multiple civil and criminal trials.

During Matthew's externship with an assistant city attorney, he drafted a city business tax ordinance, related resolution, and staff report; motions, notices of rulings, discovery requests, and various pre-trial memos; and assisted with hearing preparations and strategy, including closing arguments.

In addition to the vital experience gained in his externships, Matthew served as a Senior Advocate in Southwestern Law School’s Trial Advocacy Honors Program, winning first place in their annual competition.

Matthew graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Los Angeles, with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. He later earned a master’s degree in Education while working for eight years as a public school teacher and leader for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

When Matthew is not advocating for his clients, he enjoys traveling (having visited 23 countries so far), scuba diving, and cooking.

Education

Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles (J.D., Civil Litigation and Advocacy concentration, and Public Service Distinction, 2019)
University of Phoenix (M.A., in Education, Secondary Education, 2011)
California State University, Los Angeles (B.A., in Anthropology, summa cum laude, and Honors in Anthropology, 2009)
Co-President, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (2009)
Senior Advocate, Trial Advocacy Honors Program
Vice President SCALE, Student Bar Association, Southwestern Law School
Public Service Distinction Award
First Place, Trial Advocacy Honors Program’s JEBS Competition
Honorable Mention, Moot Court Intramural Competition
Treasurer of Southwestern's OUTLaw Group
Student Liaison for the LGBT Bar of Los Angeles
Regional Vice-Chair for the National LGBT Bar's Student Congress
Student Member of Southwestern Law School's Diversity Committee and Curriculum Committee

Court Admissions

California, 2019
U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 2019
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 2022
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of California, 2022

Awards and Honors

California Powerhouse, Law360 Regional Powerhouse Series, 2021
Selected: Southern California Super Lawyers® – Rising Stars, 2023

Member

State Bar of California
Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
- Diversity and Inclusion Committee
Consumer Attorneys of California, President’s Club Benefactor
The American Association for Justice; Leaders Forum - Champion; LGBT Caucus; Trucking Litigation Group
Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America
Board member and Co-Vice President of Southwestern Law School’s Nickel Club
LGBTQ+ Lawyers Association of Los Angeles
National Institute for Trial Advocacy
American Inns of Court
Executive Board Member for The Southwestern Law School Inn of Court, 2022
Co-Chair the Awards Committee for The Southwestern Law School Inn of Court, 2022

Guest Speaker

Southwestern Law School Seminars and Webinars
Southwestern Law School Intellectual Property Law Society, Entertainment Law Society, DTP, and the Nickel Club
Southwestern Law School, Southwestern Law School’s Inn of Court

Pro Bono and Civic Activities

Commendation from the County of Los Angeles, 2019: “For dedicated service to the affairs of the community and for the civic pride demonstrated by numerous contributions for the benefit of all residents of Los Angeles County.”
Certificate of Recognition from Senator Kamala Harris, 2019: “In honor of your dedicated service to Southwestern Law School’s Public Service Program and commitment to advancing access to justice for communities across Los Angeles.”
Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Los Angeles, 2019: “In recognition for your participation in Southwestern Law School’s Public Service Program.”
W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the California Lawyers Association, 2019: “For voluntary provision of legal services to the poor or disadvantaged, improving the law and the legal system and increasing access to justice.”
Certificate of Recognition from the California Department of Education, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, 2018: “For outstanding service on the Health Education Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee and your dedication to improving health education for all California students.”
Certificate of Appreciation, 2016: “In honor of your service and dedication as Vice-Chair of the Governing Board at the Academic Leadership Community.”

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