Matthew H. Leys

Matthew H. Leys is a member of his firm with a broad practice focused on zoning and land use law, civil litigation, municipal law, real estate transactions, contracts, and wills, trusts, and estates. He assists clients with complex property, planning, and dispute-related matters.

Matthew earned his B.A. from Providence College, graduating cum laude, and received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2000. His academic foundation prepared him for work involving detailed legal analysis, public processes, litigation strategy, and transactional guidance. After law school, he served as judicial law clerk to the late Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Victoria Lederberg during the 2000–2001 court term. He joined the firm as an associate in 2001 and became a member in 2005.

Matthew’s zoning and land use work includes representing residential and commercial property owners before local zoning and planning boards, the Newport Historic District Commission, and state courts. He has also handled applications before the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council on behalf of clients with coastal and property-related concerns. In litigation, he has handled property rights and boundary disputes, contract disputes, construction litigation, landlord-tenant matters, commercial litigation, trust disputes, and probate litigation. He has served as lead counsel or co-counsel in Rhode Island Superior Court trials, helping clients pursue favorable verdicts and settlements.

Matthew H. Leys municipal and community-related legal experience includes service as Chairman of the City of Newport Charter Review Commission. He has also advised organizations and clients on a range of legal matters, including governance, property issues, contracts, and disputes that require careful planning and practical legal judgment. Clients benefit from his ability to combine litigation experience, land-use knowledge, and transactional skills. Through his work, he helps individuals, businesses, property owners, and organizations protect their rights, pursue approvals, resolve disputes, and make informed decisions in matters involving real estate, estates, municipal concerns, and civil claims.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Corcoran, Peckham, Hayes, Leys & Olaynack, P.C.
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Former Director, Newport Historical Society
• Former President, Board of Directors of the Newport Public Library
• Member, Board of the Trustees of Long Wharf and Public Schools
• Chairman, City of Newport Charter Review Commission (2007-2008)
• Judicial Law clerk, Late Rhode Island Supreme Court Justice Victoria Lederberg (2000-2001)

Licensed State

• Rhode Island

Education

• University of Texas School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Providence College
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges