PRACTICES
OVERVIEW
Matt Ferrie is a partner in the Subrogation Department and has practiced exclusively in the field of subrogation since 2007. He investigates and litigates complex commercial and residential property losses involving fire damage, water damage, and structural collapse, among other claims. Matt’s efforts result in multi-million dollar recoveries by firm clients each year.
Matt is admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Additionally, he has litigated matters as lead counsel in approximately 25 other jurisdictions nationwide through pro hac vice admission.
Matt has lectured on topics including deposition strategies/tactics, and the selection, retention, and preparation of expert witnesses. Matt has also served as an Attorney-Instructor to expert witnesses in courtroom testimony training seminars.
Prior to joining White and Williams, Matt served as an Assistant District Attorney in Berks County, PA. During his career as an ADA, he prosecuted criminal defendants in over 50 jury and non-jury trials for offenses including attempted murder, aggravated assault, rape, robbery, drug trafficking, unlawful possession/use of firearms, child abuse, domestic violence, and driving under the influence. Matt’s experience as an Assistant District Attorney, including the coordination of investigations, handling a large volume of cases, and proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, has provided a valuable background for gathering and presenting sufficient evidence to hold parties liable for wrongful conduct in the civil arena.
While in law school, Matt received multiple trial advocacy awards, including the Barrister's Award for Excellence. Also while in law school, Matt worked for a global investigative firm where he provided support to investigations/presentations relating to stadium security and employee theft. Prior to law school, Matt served as a Law Clerk in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, where he provided support to narcotics investigations involving wiretapping.
Matt has also served as an Arbitrator for the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.
Recognition and Involvement
Recognition & Involvement
Matt’s hobbies include spending time with his family and boxing training.
Credentials
Bar and Court Admissions
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New York
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law, JD, 2004
Bloomsburg University, BA, 1999
News & Insights
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
- Participated in researching and drafting appellate briefs in one of the few cases nationwide where a court analyzed the applicability of an AIA Waiver of Subrogation Provision in a post-construction loss. The highest court in Maryland held that the Waiver of Subrogation Provision in the IA contract at issue was ambiguous and did not preclude subrogation. (John L. Mattingly Construction Inc. v Hartford Underwriter's Insurance Company)
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Successfully argued against summary judgment motions relating to, inter alia, the application of governmental immunity, the application of utility tariffs, the application of the statute of repose, the application of waivers of subrogation, and allegations of insufficient expert testimony
- Successfully argued against the improper removal of a case to federal court
- Participated in numerous multi-party mediations and played an active role in facilitating settlement among all parties
- Litigated subrogation claims involving the disputed application of various codes, statutes, and standards
- Litigated subrogation claims involving the improper installation, maintenance, repair, and/or replacement of the piping systems of large municipalities, electric utility systems, sewage systems, furnaces, water heaters and water pipes
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Litigated subrogation claims involving improper demolition practices
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Litigated subrogation claims involving defective construction of homes, condominium buildings, and commercial buildings, as well as defective construction of plumbing systems, fireplaces/chimneys and boats
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Litigated subrogation claims involving improper construction management and claims involving defective building envelope construction
- Litigated subrogation claims involving disputes as to whether the negligent employee was acting in the course and scope of his duties
- Litigated subrogation claims involving improper use of the one-call system, leading to utilities being damaged by excavation
- Litigated subrogation claims involving, inter alia, defective exhaust fans, clothes dryers, air handlers, water heaters, dehumidifiers, microwaves, printers, plumbing components, stereo equipment, and lawn tractors
BLOGS & PODCASTS
Podcasts
Subro Sessions
- Part 2: How to Make the Public Sector an Ally and Not a 'Public Enemy'10.15.24
Partners, Lian Skaf and Matt Ferrie, are back for the second part of their series titled, “Part 2: How to Make the Public Sector an Ally and not a ‘Public Enemy’.” John Lightbody, CFI, CFEI, CFII, Chief Investigator and President of Find The Cause Investigations, LLC, joins Lian and Matt to continue their discussion on subrogation professionals who work with the public sector in large-loss fire scene joint investigations. This episode also explores examples of claims going into litigation and provides case examples where the public and private sector investigators have a difference of opinion in the cause of the fire.