Where Are They Now?

Name: (was Matt Looney when I went to Walsh)

School:

Class: 1995

Occupation: Labor and Employment Attorney

What was your career path leading up to your current job?

After 10 years of working in law firms ranging in size from three to 500 attorneys and focusing exclusively on representing management in labor, employment and OSHA matters, I recently opened my own boutique firm, Austin Legal, LLC in Columbus, Ohio.

What does your job entail, and what is your career goal?

Within my labor and employment law practice, I have a regional reputation for successfully defending companies against labor unions. I provide union avoidance, contract negotiation, strike planning and defense, as well as helping employers navigate through the process of eliminating unions from their workplace. My career goal is to continue to expand my regional reputation into a national reputation for assisting employers that are dealing with labor union issues.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest career accomplishment is opening my own law firm.

What’s your favorite high school memory?

I was at Walsh during the mid-90s when the sports teams dominated Ohio and national competition. I was not an athlete, but I enjoyed watching the wrestling, football, golf, soccer and cross country teams win championship after championship.

Which restaurant, social gathering place or other place did you enjoy spending time at in the Falls when you were in school?

I enjoyed going to . Free popcorn and I felt like I was older and in a bar even though parents were usually sitting at the next table.

What advice would you give to future graduates?

Walsh is an incredible school. The graduates will become leaders in their fields. Keep in touch with as many fellow graduates (from all years) as possible. That network will be very beneficial for you as you progress in your career.