Matt Kumin began his practice as a civil rights and employment attorney in 1995, practicing in both federal and state courts, representing individuals and corporations while also handling class and representative actions. As a trial lawyer for nearly 30 years, he has handled every aspect of litigation, including appeals. He has also mediated disputes.

Beginning in 1997, Matt expanded his practice to include a broad range of civil and criminal cases, representing clients in matters involving zoning, real estate, intellectual property, attorney ethics, attorney malpractice, and commercial litigation. Over the years, his practice grew to address complex legal challenges in state and federal courts throughout California and across the United States. He has also provided expert witness testimony and case (and asset) evaluations in both civil and criminal matters. In 2022-2024, he was named a “Super Lawyer” in civil rights, business law, and corporate litigation.

Admissions
State Bar of California (1995)
Northern, Southern, Eastern and Central Federal District Courts of California (1995 – 1999)

Education
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA  1986
B.A. with Honors, Urban History, Brown University, Providence, RI 1980

Business Litigation and Bankruptcy

  • Litigated numerou disputes over ownership, equity and debt obligations.

Civil Rights Litigation

  • Favorable jury verdict in Festival at the Lake case (against Oakland PD) with co-counsel (1997)
  • Settled cases against numerous public entities (total value over $3 million)

Employment Litigation (individual and class actions)

  • Settled cases pre-trial totaling over $2 million in value including his most recent class case for $420,000.

Largest Settlement

  • Wrongful Death case – $1.25 million

Renowned Cases

  • Led a team of attorneys in the seminal federal tax court case, the first to address the federal income taxation of medical. CHAMP v. Commissioner of the IRS, 128 T.C. 173 (2007).
  • Led a team of attorneys in 2011 that sued the US government when it tried to shut down state operations. Sacramento Nonprofit Collective v. Holder, 552 F.App’x 680 (9th Cir. 2014).
  • Presented at numerous CLE’s throughout California and Colorado… including the Alameda County Bar Association, the San Diego Bar Association, The San Francisco Bar Association, and the Alameda County Law Library.
  • Emerald Cup (2013, 2015)
  • Teach legal research and writing at UC Law SF (formerly Hastings College of the Law)
  • Formerly taught at Golden Gate Law School and New College of California Law School
  1. What is your favorite vacation spot? Anywhere in the Caribbean or the tropics
  2. What is your favorite food? Lobster
  3. Favorite quote?  “There is no better teacher than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time.” Malcolm X