Matt Besser is a perceptive and practical Cleveland mediator who builds rapport and trust with parties but always keeps one eye focused on the realities of litigation. Since 2019, he has served as a neutral in a range of legal areas, including employment, tort, business, and housing disputes. As a mediator, Matt helps litigants escape the disruption and turmoil of litigation so they can move on with their lives and businesses.
Diverse Litigation Experience That Fosters Credibility and Trust
Matt has seen litigation from all sides—as a plaintiff’s lawyer in employment and civil rights cases; as a defense lawyer representing corporations of all sizes, from small family-run businesses to the Fortune 100; and, as a decision-maker, both as an arbitrator and federal appellate law clerk. That breadth of experience affords not only the ability to understand and connect with litigants on both sides of a dispute, but also to know what is likely to matter to a fact-finder.
Training and Reputation to Get the Hard Cases Done
Matt’s commitment to practicing law the right way has earned him the trust and respect of his peers. He’s had the privilege of serving as President of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association for the 2024-25 term. He previously served as Chair of the CMBA’s Certified Grievance Committee and as a member of its Board of Directors and Judicial Selection Committee. In addition, SuperLawyers Magazine has named Matt to its list of the “Top 100” attorneys in Ohio and to its list of Cleveland employment lawyers every year since 2014. Along the same lines, Best Lawyers Magazine has recognized his work as an employment lawyer every year since 2016 and named him the 2022 Cleveland Lawyer of the Year in employment law representing individuals. Matt also holds an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
Matt holds a certificate in mediation from Northwestern University. He is a member of several ADR panels, including the United States District Court for both the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, the American Arbitration Association, and the American Health Lawyers Association.
Understanding and Creativity to Break Through Impasse
As both an advocate and neutral, Matt understands that sometimes the biggest hurdle to resolution isn’t dollars; it’s emotions. Although he recognizes the central importance of the financial aspects of a settlement, he believes that in some cases the fastest way around impasse is by navigating emotional roadblocks. Matt’s ultimate goal as a mediator is to help parties find solutions they didn’t believe could exist—creative solutions that aren’t just mutually acceptable, but that are mutually beneficial.
