Matthew Berard focuses his product liability litigation practice on automotive, autonomous vehicles, commercial, aviation, and drone law. As an FAA certified private pilot, he leverages his flight knowledge and technical training to defend major product manufacturers in complex product-related claims.
Matthew represents clients in litigation arising from personal injury, product defect, property damage, premises liability and an assortment of other claims. He defends the design and manufacture of motor vehicles and components such as airbags and seat belts as well as defending autonomous vehicle manufacturers in product liability litigation.
In his practice, Matthew has experience in federal, state, and multidistrict litigation including bench and jury trials, arbitrations, conducting depositions of critical fact and expert witnesses, arguing dispositive motions, guiding clients through settlement conferences, as well as developing cost-effective litigation strategies. Matthew has successfully briefed and argued challenges to personal jurisdiction in various state and federal courts on behalf of foreign product manufacturers. His background also includes defending insurance companies in various coverage disputes.
Matthew advises businesses and product manufacturers with respect to commercial drone operations, certification processes, and FAA regulations. Matthew also participates in many aviation-centered legal organizations and authors articles addressing issues with respect to personal jurisdiction, aviation, and drone law. He served as the Senior Judicial Court Clerk for the Honorable Shalina D. Kumar in Oakland County Circuit Court for nearly five years while earning his undergraduate and law degree.