Cohen Seglias Promotes Construction Lawyers Matthew Gioffre and Michael Metz-Topodas to Partners
Cohen Seglias is pleased to announce the promotions of Matthew Gioffre and Michael Metz-Topodas to Partners of the firm, effective January 1, 2020.
Cohen Seglias Managing Partner George Pallas commented, “On behalf of everyone at the firm, I congratulate Matt and Michael on this well-deserved accomplishment and thank them for their contributions over the years to the growth of our firm.”
Jason Copley, Chair of Cohen Seglias’ Construction Group, said, “Matt and Michael are both skilled construction attorneys and litigators who are highly valued members of our firm. Both excel in assisting clients with tactical and strategic decisions that move matters in a successful direction.”
Matt Gioffre focuses his practice on complex construction law claims on behalf of general contractors, subcontractors, design-builders, and material suppliers. He has broad experience litigating claims involving construction and design defects, product defects, delays, unforeseen conditions, and out-of-scope work claims on public, private, and federal projects. Matt also pursues and defends lien claims, bond claims, and Miller Act claims. In addition, he negotiates contracts on behalf of project owners, general contractors, and subcontractors on large commercial construction projects. Matt joined Cohen Seglias in 2007. He has been recognized on the Super Lawyers’ Pennsylvania Rising Stars List for Construction Litigation (2013 – 2019), earned his J.D., cum laude, from Temple University Beasley School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. He is active in the Philadelphia chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association, the Mechanical & Service Contractors Association, and the National Electrical Contractors Association Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter.
Michael Metz-Topodas represents general contractors, subcontractors, owners, designers, and suppliers on private, public, and federal projects. He handles cases in state and federal court dealing with a range of construction issues, such as delay and inefficiency claims, design and construction defects, unforeseen site conditions, project scope disputes, and bond and mechanics lien claims. Michael also helps clients navigate enforcement and investigations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. His commercial litigation work includes disputes over corporate ownership and shareholders’ rights, insurance coverage issues, and Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) claims. He joined the firm in 2014. Michael earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Temple University Beasley School of Law and his B.A., with distinction, from Swarthmore College. He is active in: Associated Builders and Contractors, Keystone Chapter; the American Subcontractors Association of Central Pennsylvania; the Keystone Contractors Association; the Pennsylvania Builders Exchange; and South Central Architects, Engineers, and Contractors. Michael also co-chairs the Education Law Committee of the Philadelphia Bar Association.
