Mr. Trapp joined the team at Giffin Winning Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. in 2014, bringing diligence and dedication to his clients. Matt concentrates his practice in the areas of business and commercial litigation, general civil litigation, local government law, and business advising.

Matt routinely represents his clients’ interests in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as administrative tribunals, involving commercial disputes, constitutional law, municipal/local government law, employment law, restrictive covenants, real estate law, estate disputes, administrative law, personal injury, tort, property damage, insurance defense, contracts, and business disputes. Additionally, Matt has counseled clients in matters involving beer and alcoholic beverage regulations, trade practice investigations, and licensing issues. He has also assisted small business owners in applying for certification as a minority business enterprise, women-owned business enterprise, veteran-owned business enterprise, and disadvantaged business enterprise. He has also commenced representation of clients after the denial of a certification application in an appeal of certification denial. As part of his local government practice, he has been appointed as both special prosecutor and special assistant state’s attorney.

Prior to joining the firm, Matt served as a law clerk in the Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth District for seven years. Matt also clerked for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois for approximately two-and-a-half years. Matt served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield, where he was involved in litigation relating to personal injury, employment termination, the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act, and alleged violations of civil rights.

Matt has been distinguished as an “Emerging Lawyer” in Illinois by Leading Lawyers for the past four years, a distinction earned by less than two percent of licensed lawyers in Illinois. In 2016, he was selected for Springfield Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.

Matt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and traveling. He is involved in the local community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Central Illinois Foodbank.

Education

• J.D., Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, 2004

• B.S., Illinois College, 2000

Admissions

• Illinois
• Missouri
• Texas
• U.S. District Court for the Central District and Southern District of Illinois
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit Court

Areas Of Focus

• Business Transactions and Advising

• Civil Litigation and Appeals

• Municipal and Local Government