A. Matthew Ashley

Matthew Ashley is a business litigator known for handling high-stakes disputes involving complex commercial issues. He represents both plaintiffs and defendants in matters such as contract and partnership conflicts, intellectual property and trade secrets, antitrust, insurance, securities fraud, unfair competition, real estate controversies, and large class actions nationwide today.

Matt earned a B.S. in Economics from Tulane University in 1995, graduating summa cum laude. He later received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1998. This academic background provided strong analytical training that supports his detailed approach to complex litigation and strategic problem-solving in demanding legal disputes today.

Matt advises clients across every stage of the business life cycle, from emerging private companies preparing for public markets to receivers managing bankrupt organizations. He studies complex facts carefully and communicates strategies clearly so clients understand risks, options, and likely outcomes throughout the litigation process and key strategic decisions ahead.

Matt has played leading roles in major commercial disputes, including Netlist Inc. v. Samsung in federal court, where he helped secure a complete victory after an interim Ninth Circuit appeal and jury trial confirming Samsung materially breached the parties’ contract and Netlist properly terminated the agreement after that breach occurred.

Matt also led the defense of a widely watched federal antitrust case brought by Apple and Intel against Fortress-related entities, arguing multiple motions to dismiss before U.S. District Judge Edward M. Chen and securing dismissal with prejudice, a result recognized by the Daily Journal among California’s top defense verdicts.

Matt has received several professional honors, including selection to The Best Lawyers in America from 2024-2026, recognition on the Southern California Super Lawyers list from 2014-2026, and inclusion on the Daily Journal’s Leading Commercial Litigators list for 2023-2024. He also earned a Daily Journal CLAY Award for antitrust work.

Matthew Ashley continues to represent clients in demanding commercial litigation while remaining active in professional organizations such as the Orange County Bar Association, Association of Business Trial Lawyers, and the Federal Bar Association. His methodical preparation, clear courtroom advocacy, and practical guidance help clients address complicated legal conflicts effectively.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Irell & Manella LLP
• Member, Orange County Bar Association
• Member, Association of Business Trial Lawyers
• Member, Federal Bar Association

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Yale Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Tulane University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges