Overview

Matt Burkhart helps clients protect their valuable trade secrets and defend against allegations of trade secret misappropriation. Matt also represents clients in a range of other complex commercial disputes – including breaches of contract and allegations of business negligence – and works with companies to conduct internal investigations into allegations of financial fraud, misuse of company assets and other serious employee misconduct.

Trade Secret Litigation & Counseling

Matt helps companies handle trade secret matters at whatever phase they arise. Matt’s experience includes investigating alleged trade secret theft in advance of litigation, initiating trade secret actions, and defending against claims of trade secret misappropriation. Matt also counsels companies on protecting their trade secrets and has experience training employees on confidentiality best practices.

Complex Commercial Litigation 

Matt represents clients in a range of other complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts, including breaches of contract and allegations of business negligence. Matt formulates litigation strategy; drafts and responds to discovery; prepares for, takes and defends depositions; and appears in court for hearings and motion arguments. Having handled large commercial matters, Matt is also experienced at helping clients collect large volumes of electronic discovery and other business records.

Internal Investigations

Matt works with companies to manage internal investigations, methodically dissecting allegations of employee impropriety stemming from abuses of company assets and other serious misconduct.

Clients engage Matt to help:

  • Formulate the goal of the investigation
  • Identify key pieces of information to develop a strategic investigation plan
  • Analyze key documents
  • Interview witnesses
  • Present the results of the investigation
Matt also brings to bear experience working with forensic analysts to examine electronic devices and review complex business records to determine whether any misconduct has occurred.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Indiana

Education

Indiana University Maurer School of Law
J.D. magna cum laude, Order of the Coif, Indiana Law Journal (managing editor) (2014)

Indiana University Kelley School of Business
B.S. with high distinction (2011)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • Protecting Trade Secrets: "Have We Done Enough?" - Practical Guidance for All Sizes of Businesses
    Co-presenter, 2021 Midwest IP Institute, Minnesota CLE, September 2021
  • Trade Secrets: Key Developments and Takeaways 2020-2021
    Co-author, The IP Book, Minnesota CLE, September 2021 
  • Trade Secrets 2018-19: Key Developments and Takeaways 
    Co-author, The IP Book, Minnesota CLE, September 2019
  • 30(B)(6) Depositions: What You Need To Know But Are Afraid To Ask
    Co-presenter, Indianapolis Bar Association, April 2018
  • The Secrets to Winning Trade Secret Cases
    Contributing author, 2016-2017 Ed.

Leadership & Community

Professional Associations

  • Indianapolis Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association

Civic Activities

  • Indianapolis Bar Association — Bar Leader Series Class XVIII
  • A Kid Again, Indiana Chapter — Adventure Committee
  • Indiana Sports Corp Local Organizing Committee — 2016-22 Big Ten Football Championships; 2016 Indy Ultimate Urban Adventure Race
  • Corporate Hospitality Captain — 2016 BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club
  • Indiana Leadership Forum — Class of 2017

Honors

  • Best Lawyers® — "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar, 2021-25
  • Indiana Super Lawyers — Rising Star, 2023-24
  • Faegre Baker Daniels — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2014
  • Indiana University — Herman Wells Scholar