Matthew S. McNicholas

Matthew S. McNicholas is a powerhouse trial attorney and partner at McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP. With over $150 million in verdicts and settlements for first responders, he is California’s go-to advocate for law enforcement and firefighters facing workplace discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.

Matthew earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, after graduating from the University of California, Los Angeles, with honors. This academic foundation, combined with deep family roots in the legal profession, fuels his dedication to justice, especially for those who serve and protect the public.

Matthew’s courtroom achievements include a $13.1 million verdict for two LAPD officers, a $10.1 million verdict in a high-level retaliation case, and representation of over 600 LAPD officers in a data breach lawsuit. He also leads major actions on behalf of hundreds of probation officers and victims of large-scale institutional misconduct.

Beyond first responder representation, Matthew handles catastrophic injury, wrongful death, product liability, and consumer fraud cases. His firm played a central role in landmark cases like the $13.5 billion PG&E wildfire settlement and the $4 billion L.A. County juvenile abuse settlement, reinforcing his impact across multiple legal fields.

Matthew actively contributes to the legal community as a board member of elite legal organizations, including the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He supports legal education through scholarships, clerkships, and community relief efforts that benefit first-responder families across California.

Widely recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, Daily Journal, and Lawdragon, Matthew S. McNicholas continues to lead with integrity, purpose, and a fierce commitment to justice for underserved and vulnerable communities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, McNicholas & McNicholas, LLP
• Member, State Bar of California
• Member, Consumer Attorneys of California
• Member, Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles
• Fellow, American College Trial Lawyers
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Leaders Forum Member, American Association for Justice
• Board Member, International Academy of Trial Lawyers

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Loyola Law School, Los Angeles
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges