J. Matthew "Matthew" Kirby
Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
J. Matthew Kirby is a partner with Harris Shelton PLLC in Memphis, Tennessee. He began working with the firm while attending law school and has continued to build his practice representing businesses and institutions in a wide range of legal matters. His work frequently involves advising healthcare providers and other organizations on disputes, regulatory obligations, and day‑to‑day legal issues.
Matthew’s practice includes Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers, professional and healthcare liability matters, insurance disputes, employment and labor law issues, and contract disputes. He regularly counsels clients on compliance and workplace matters involving laws such as the FMLA, ADA, ADEA, and Title VII. He also assists organizations with HIPAA compliance, regulatory considerations, risk management strategies, and legal questions related to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence.
In addition to litigation and dispute resolution, Matthew serves as general counsel to several businesses and faith-based organizations. In that role, he provides ongoing legal guidance on operational decisions, employment concerns, contracts, and liability issues. His practice also includes handling premises liability matters, tort claims, and other business-related disputes for clients in Memphis and throughout Tennessee.
Matthew works with clients both inside and outside the courtroom, helping them evaluate risks, resolve disputes, and move business initiatives forward. His approach focuses on identifying practical solutions that support the client’s long-term goals while addressing immediate legal concerns.
Overview
- Union University, B.A., graduated 1998
- University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., graduated 2001
- Arkansas, Arkansas Bar Association, 2014
- Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association, 2001
- Arkansas Bar Association - Member
- Tennessee Bar Association - Member
- Memphis Bar Association - Member
- All Tennessee Courts, 2001
- Arkansas Courts, 2014
- Tennessee Federal District Court, 2001
- Arkansas, Arkansas Bar Association, 2014
- Tennessee, Tennessee Bar Association, 2001
- Arkansas Bar Association - Member
- Tennessee Bar Association - Member
- Memphis Bar Association - Member
- Union University, B.A., graduated 1998
- University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, J.D., graduated 2001
- All Tennessee Courts, 2001
- Arkansas Courts, 2014
- Tennessee Federal District Court, 2001
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus

- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers, Memphis (2026)
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers, Memphis (2022)
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers, Memphis (2019)
- Workers' Compensation Law - Employers
- AVVO
- Superb rating
Martindale Hubbell
- AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating 2013-present
- Preeminent Client Review Rating 2013 present
- Mid-South Super Lawyers
- Rising Star 2011 – 2015
- Super Lawyer 2025
Additional Information
- Publicity
Matthew regularly speaks to various organizations, including health care providers, on topics including civil commitment laws, risk management, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation.
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