Matt Preston

Matt Preston is a litigation attorney in Holland & Knight's Atlanta office and focuses his practice on representing businesses in complex commercial disputes, internal investigations, arbitrations and appeals. Mr. Preston's experience includes matters involving financial services, healthcare and life sciences, higher education, hospitality and emerging technologies.

Mr. Preston advises clients before disputes result in litigation and represents them if proceedings follow. He has experience assessing litigation risk associated with proposed acquisitions, analyzing potential claims and defenses, interviewing witnesses in internal investigations and preparing trial and appellate briefings. Drawing on extensive judicial clerkship experience and a practical understanding of litigation strategy, he helps clients evaluate risk, develop effective legal approaches and navigate complex disputes.

Prior to joining Holland & Knight, Mr. Preston practiced at a global law firm, where he represented clients in commercial litigation, healthcare contract disputes, consumer protection matters, employment litigation and product liability cases.

Previously, Mr. Preston completed four judicial clerkships, serving the Honorable Ralph R. Erickson of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, the Honorable David F. Viviano of the Michigan Supreme Court, and the Honorable Susan K. DeClercq and the Honorable Thomas L. Ludington of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. These clerkships provided him with a broad perspective on trial and appellate advocacy, judicial decision-making and case management.

Before practicing law, Mr. Preston served in the U.S. Army as an Apache helicopter crew chief and maintenance supervisor. He deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader on a Downed Aircraft Recovery Team. His military service helped shape his commitment to leadership, mentorship and public service, which continues through his pro bono work assisting veterans and individuals from underrepresented communities.

Mr. Preston is a recognized leader among early-career attorneys. He also served as chief financial officer and a director of the Legal Accountability Project, an organization focused on increasing transparency and accountability within the judicial clerkship process. In addition, he has explored the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and the legal profession through speaking engagements and publications addressing the use of technology in court administration and legal practice.

Not yet admitted to Georgia Bar; admitted to California Bar, Illinois Bar, Indiana Bar and Michigan Bar only and practicing under supervision of lawyers licensed to practice in Georgia.