Matthew D. Thurlow is an environmental and toxic tort litigator. He represents clients in state and federal courts across the country, including in multidistrict litigation, in high-stakes matters involving environmental, product liability, consumer product and advertising, and personal injury claims relating to chemicals including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ethylene oxide, dioxins, and PCBs. Matt frequently represents clients in civil enforcement and private party lawsuits brought under the Clean Air Act, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Clean Water Act, Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and Toxic Substances Control Act.
Drawing on his deep understanding of emerging contaminant issues in product liability, environmental, and personal injury cases, Matt also advises companies on their regulatory compliance and reporting obligations under federal and state laws related to PFAS in consumer products.
Matt frequently represents chemical and product manufacturers, retailers, oil and gas companies, and financial services companies. In addition to his litigation practice, Matt assists companies with advertising, marketing, labeling, and compliance issues concerning the regulation of pesticides and pesticide devices under FIFRA and consumer products under Proposition 65.
Matt previously served in the Environmental Enforcement Section of the US Department of Justice. During that time, he acted as lead counsel on a variety of civil enforcement matters, including a major Clean Water Act case, several Superfund cases, and Clean Air Act matters involving power plants and oil refineries.
He is a frequent writer, commentator, and speaker for bar associations, industry publications, environmental institutes, and private CLE programs. Prior to joining Morgan Lewis, Matt served as co-chair of another firm’s environmental team.
Ranked, Environment, District of Columbia, Chambers USA (2022–2025)
Recognized, The Best Lawyers in America, Litigation – Environmental, Washington, DC (2025, 2026)
Recognized, Stand-Out Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (2024)
Former vice chair, American Bar Association Section of the Environment, Energy and Resources
Former vice Chair, American Bar Association Enforcement and Litigation Committee
Member, District of Columbia Bar
Member, Board of Directors, UC Berkeley Library System
Member, Charter Hill Society, UC Berkeley
Member, Washington, DC Advisory Committee for Kids in Need of Defense