Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

24 Best Lawyers awards

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Biography

Clients rely on Matt Alva’s wise counsel and unflappable courtroom and boardroom demeanor to resolve their toughest civil litigation.

Matt focuses his practice on product and premises liability matters, class actions, and mass torts. He also defends businesses in other complex commercial litigation and business disputes. Matt is known for his meticulous skill in preparing and trying his cases. He is also a deft negotiator when settlement best aligns with his clients’ business objectives.

With extensive experience serving as national coordinating counsel in large-scale multi-district litigation, Matt has a reputation for capably managing litigation and defense nationwide alongside his lead role on local work.

Matt has dedicated significant time to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. He serves on RSHC’s Associate Recruitment, Retention, and Attorney Development Committee, and was co-chair of the diversity committee and a member of the recruiting committee at his prior firm.

A former middle and high school history teacher, and a first-generation college graduate who grew up in a military family, Matt calls on the unique perspectives and skills gained from these experiences to foster his rich client relationships. Outside of the office, Matt is active in his local community, most recently as the current president of the Ravinia Parent-Teacher Organization. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Matt is the Deputy of the firm’s Product Liability, Mass Torts & Environmental Practice Team.

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP

24 Best Lawyers awards

Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP logo

Overview

  • Gender: Male

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT, J.D., graduated 2011

  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT, J.D., graduated 2011
  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
  • Gender: Male

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
  • Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

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