Matthew P. Feeney

feeney

Education

  • J.D., Notre Dame Law School, ‘83
  • B.A., University of Notre Dame, Government & Economics, ‘79

Extracurricular Activities While at NDLS

  • Notre Dame Law Review
  • Research Assistant, Professor Blakey (summer 1982)
  • GALILEE Program (December 1982)
  • Musician, Law School Sunday Night Liturgies
  • Annual Law School Talent Show
  • Student Fireman, Notre Dame Fire Department

Employment

Partner, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
Phoenix, Arizona

Insights Regarding My Area of Practice

  • One of Snell & Wilmer’s core values is its commitment to the community. As a result, the firm strongly encourages pro bono service and civic involvement. This perspective, coupled with great lawyers and clients, has kept me at Snell & Wilmer since I graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 1983.

Volunteer/Pro Bono Work

  • President, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education (2008); Board member (2003-present)
  • American Bar Association – Commission on Interest on Lawyer’s Trust Accounts (1998-2002)
  • Board member, St. Joseph the Worker Job Services for the Homeless (1988-2007); Chairman (1996-2000).
  • Board member, Diocesan School Board, Diocese of Phoenix (1986-1992)

On the NDLS Experience:

“Many of the things I took for granted at NDLS (such as the sense of community among my classmates, accessible and caring faculty, and liturgies) are extremely unique among law schools. I discovered this after I began to practice law and talk about law school with other attorneys. These “intangible” elements at NDLS encouraged the notion that NDLS lawyers could (and should) make a positive difference, whether they engaged in public interest law or corporate law."

On Classmates and Friendships:

“My most important ongoing relationship with an NDLS classmate is the one I have with my wife, Michele, who I met in Professor Blakey’s Criminal Law class during my first year of law school. Michele and I are looking forward to returning to Notre Dame for our 25th Law School reunion in 2008 and spending time with our 1983 classmates. The bonds we made back then, even with people with whom we have not stayed in close contact, remain strong.”

On Faculty:

“The best way that I can respond to this question is by sharing two brief stories about Professor Blakey. During law school, one of my relatives ran into legal trouble in Chicago. Although I did not know Professor Blakey well, I approached him about this problem. He immediately called a fellow professor in Chicago (a very well-known criminal lawyer), who promptly represented my relative (successfully) on a pro bono basis. I also remember having a conversation with Professor Blakey during my third year of law school in which he told me that, ethically speaking, a lawyer could make a difference wherever he or she practices, whether as a legal aid attorney or as general counsel to a multinational corporation. I have never forgotten Professor Blakey’s willingness to help my relative or his comment about making a difference.”