Matthew Thomas Dattilo
Simpson Dattilo, LLC
Corporate and administrative law

Matt Dattilo doesn't just earn top results for his clients. He earns their trust. 

A corporate lawyer who co-founded his own law firm after nearly 8-years as in-house counsel, Dattilo has built a thriving general counsel business, advising companies in a wide range of industries. And these clients come to Dattilo. 

Dattilo began building his reputation while serving as the first general counsel for Premier Restaurant Group, an operator of restaurants at Chicago Midway International Airport, and in catering and institutional food service facilities. This young attorney took on responsibility for the entire spectrum of legal functions for Premier's operations and in doing so, learned the ropes of the food and beverage business--knowledge that uniquely positions him to counsel some of Chicago’s best eateries, caterers, and grocers. 

Jay Stieber, executive vice president and general counsel for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, said Dattilo is fiercely dedicated to his clients. It didn't take him long to build a deep roster of clients after leaving in-house work to create his firm. His reputation grew quickly among restaurant owners and grocers, two areas of industry focus for Dattilo.

"Since founding his own law firm, he has established an outstanding reputation as an attorney and advisor," Stieber said. "He provides his clients with a broad skill set that provides them great value in all legal matters.”

As an administrative lawyer, Dattilo has overseen the public contracting process on behalf of clients in six states and argued a successful challenge to Cook County's real estate taxation process of licensed properties at Chicago's airports. The effort resulted in significant changes to the concession contracts and tax bills at the facilities. Dattilo also serves as a hearing officer for the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

O. Kate Tragesser with Taft Stettinius & Hollister said Dattilo has carved out a reputation as an expert in airport matters and food and beverage law. 

"These clients, many of whom are also counseled by our city's largest law firms, trust Matt's judgment to advise them on the unique areas of the law where he has quickly become regarded as an expert," Tragesser said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dattilo is providing pro bono legal service to small restaurant companies through the Illinois Restaurant Association. This legal assistance has been essential for restaurant owners struggling to pay their employees and drum up enough business to keep their doors open. 

He also sits on the Council of Regents of Loyola University Chicago and the Board of Regents of St. Ignatius College Preparatory. Dattilo is a member of the Public Affairs Committee of the Illinois Restaurant Association, the Young Leaders Committee of the Economic Club of Chicago, and the Justinian Society of Lawyers. 

Kevin Sherlock, general counsel with SpotHero, has worked often with Dattilo. He calls this young attorney a trusted partner and advisor. 

"Matt is someone I can count on regardless of the severity or urgency of the issue," Sherlock said. "And he provides smart and straightforward advice that I know will put me in the best position to do my job. And he does this every single time."