Matthew O'Malley Tressler LLP

O'Malley, Matthew J. Associate

O'Malley, Matthew J. Associate

Practice Focus

Matthew J. O’Malley (“Matt”) is a member of the litigation practice group and advises his clients on litigation strategies, skillfully representing them through all phases of litigation. Matt has a track record of success in both bench and jury trials. He focuses on the client’s resolution goals, whether that is achieved through trial, settlement conference, mediation or arbitration. Matt serves his clients in a variety of complex litigated and non-litigated matters, including actions for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, indemnity and contribution, professional malpractice, personal injury, general corporate, LGBT issues, employment discrimination and civil rights violations. 

Professional Background

Matt is pragmatic and effective when it comes to advising clients and resolving problems.  His approach is simple---he strives to understand his client’s objectives and constantly learn. Matt is a litigator but also enjoys serving as general counsel for corporations as well as for not-for-profits, providing risk assessment and proactive strategies to avoid conflict.  He has held roles in various legal areas; most recently he practiced in the condominium and common interest community association context. Matt’s broad experience with commercial litigation, discrimination matters, municipal and government issues, tort litigation and other practice areas provide him perspective in both prosecution and defense.

Matt started his legal career working as an Assistant Attorney General for the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, where he served as defense counsel for the Department of Corrections and other Illinois state entities. There, he successfully brought four federal jury trials to verdict in favor of his clients.

Matt was recently selected by his peers in the 2023 and 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ and as 2023 Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars®.

Memberships & Affiliations

Chicago Bar Association

Illinois State Bar Association

Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago

Community Associations Institute (CAI)

Publications

Recent Articles and Blogs

"How to Handle the Proverbial Association Bully," Condo Law Watch, April 17, 2023

"‘Tis the Season…for Fire Prevention," Condo Law Watch, December 15, 2022

"The More You Know Before the First Snow: Condo and HOA Winter Preparation," Condo Law Watch, October 20, 2022

"Due Process is Critical to the Violation Process," Condo Law Watch, September 12, 2022

"Update On Residency Requirements To Serve On A Condo Board In Illinois," Condo Law Watch, July 8, 2022

"Purchasing a Condominium Unit: Buyer Beware," Condo Law Watch, May 17, 2022

"Two Years In: What Condominiums and Community Associations Can Learn from the COVID-19 Pandemic," Condo Law Watch, March 2, 2022

"The Floodgates Will Open: An End to the Illinois Eviction Moratorium," Condo Law Watch, July 16, 2021

"Keep the Fireworks to the Professionals," Condo Law Watch, June 30, 2021

"Adverse Action? COVID-19-related Whistleblower and Retaliation Claims," DRI: For the Defense, March 2021

"Important Fair Housing Laws That You Should Know," Condo Law Watch, October 8, 2020

"Pool Safety," Condo Law Watch, July 21, 2020

News

Presentations & Events

Representative Experience

Turley v. Rednour et. al., U.S. District Court Southern District of Illinois; 3:11-cv-01052-SCW
Represented Defendants, Illinois Department of Corrections, and its employees, in a suit concerning retaliation and excessive force claims.  The court ruled on Defendants' motion for summary judgment regarding the retaliation claims prior to trial.  The excessive force claim was tried before a jury and after several days at trial, the jury rendered its verdict in favor of Defendants Chad Todaro and Lucas Maue and against Plaintiff Gregory Turley.

Personal Life

Matt is a life-long Chicagoan and devout White Sox fan.  He actively seeks opportunities to foster diversity and inclusion both in and outside Tressler and serves as Secretary of Tressler LLP's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Outside the practice of law, Matt watches more Bravo TV than he would like to admit, enjoys reading, live music, baking bread, traveling and spending time with my family.  Matt's favorite band is Fleetwood Mac and he resides in the Chicago area with his husband and their dog, Gus.