40 Under Forty 2021

2021

MATTHEW FEERY

Matt has a natural intellectual curiosity that makes him a very effective and trusted advisor.”

A problem-solver. An attorney adept at crafting practical solutions for his clients. Calm under fire. That’s how Mat- thew Feery’s peers describe this young attorney at Chicago’s Much Shelist. Feery has built a busy employment law career by acting as a trusted advisor to companies of all sizes, including startups and other emerging companies. He helps his clients develop strategies to not only comply with their legal obligations, but also position themselves for growth and success consistent with their culture and values. He doesn’t just focus on legal ad- vice. Feery also provides his clients with practical business advice that never loses sight of the human element at the heart of employment law. Count Bethany McCurdy with Michael Best as one attorney who isn’t surprised at Feery’s success. She has known Feery for more than a decade and watched as his career has grown. She points to Feery’s intellect and commitment to his clients as two reasons for his success. “Even as a younger lawyer, Matt was able to grasp complicated legal argu- ments and distill them down so they could be easily understood by the client,” McCurdy said. “I recall several instances when he demonstrated an ability to ana- lyze cases often in better detail than more senior attorneys.” McCurdy remembers one case when Feery, then a very green attorney, helped identify issues and developed a winning defense. The result? A favorable outcome and a happy client.

Companies turn to Feery for all aspects of employment law, from hiring to firing and everything in between. But clients also turn to Feery for help with day-to- day business matters. He works with his clients to develop sound policies and healthy workplaces, and to prevent prob- lems from rising to the level of litigation. And when his clients do face litigation? Feery is a devoted and zealous advocate for them, defending employers in both state and federal courts and before ad- ministrative agencies. Thomas Phillips, senior claim supervi- sor with Healthcare Services Group, has also witnessed Feery’s legal skills. He says that Feery excels at finding practical solu- tions to complex problems. “Matt has a natural intellectual curios- ity that makes him a very effective and trusted advisor,” Phillips said. “Clients can count on him to be up to date with the latest developments in the law and how societal trends may be influencing em- ployment practices.” Outside of his field, Feery serves as an associate board member of Clearbrook, an organization that works closely with individuals with intellectual and develop- ment disabilities and their families. “Matt is one of the best brief writers with whom I’ve worked,” said Jerilyn Ja- cobs with the Eu Claire, Wisconsin, office of Crivello Carlson. “He is also the rare attorney who is truly calm under intense fire.”

FIRM Much Shelist, P.C.

LAW SCHOOL University of Illinois College of Law AREA OF PRACTICE Employment law

40 Under Forty 2021 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN