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Trial Lawyer’s Journal is built on the voices of trial lawyers like you. Share your journey, insights, and experiences through articles, interviews, and our podcast, Celebrating Justice.

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    Matt Nakajima

    Partner | Rittgers Rittgers Nakajima

    rittgers-rittgers-nakajima

    Meet Matt

    Contact

    513-694-0426
    12 East Warren Street
    Lebanon, Ohio 45036

    Stay Connected

    "As trial lawyers, we are the last line of defense against corporate greed and injustice."

    Matthew “Matt” Nakajima is a partner at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Specializing in personal injury, catastrophic injury, and wrongful death cases, Matt is dedicated to advocating for individuals against powerful corporations and insurance companies.

     

    Matt’s inspiration to pursue law stemmed from his mother’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a lawyer. At 19, she suffered severe injuries in a car accident, leading to progressive hearing loss and preventing her from practicing law. Motivated by her experiences, Matt aimed to be a voice for the voiceless.

     

    Despite facing challenges, including dyslexia and skepticism about his capabilities, Matt persevered. He graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. Just before taking the Ohio bar exam, he was informed of an issue with his character and fitness evaluation, barring him from the exam. With the support of trial lawyers Bob Sanders and Mark Schumacher, Matt challenged this decision, ultimately obtaining his law license after a battle that reached the Ohio Supreme Court.

     

    This experience reinforced Matt’s commitment to helping others. At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, he focuses on personal injury and wrongful death cases, often representing clients against large corporations and insurance companies. Matt emphasizes the importance of perseverance and authenticity in his practice, building genuine connections with clients and advocating tirelessly on their behalf.

    Podcasts

    Matt Nakajima “Celebrating Justice” Ep. 27

    Listen Now

    Presented by

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    Experience and Expertise

    Qualifications

    Timeline

    • Earned Juris Doctor, Salmon P. Chase College of Law, Northern Kentucky University (2008)
    • Overcame challenges to obtain Ohio law license, including a case that reached the Ohio Supreme Court (2009)
    • Became a partner at Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima (2023)
    • Recognized in Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2013-2022) and selected to Super Lawyers (2023-2025)

    Practice Areas

    Personal Injury
    60%
    Catastrophic Injury
    30%
    Wrongful Death
    10%
    • The Ohio Association of Justice
    • The Kentucky Justice Associations
    • American Association of Justice
    • Ohio Trial Lawyers Association
    • The Kentucky Justice Association
    • $7 Million Settlement: Delivery Truck Accident
    • $5 Million Settlement: Truck Driver at Fault for Wrongful Death
    • $3.5 Million Settlement: Landscape Truck Accident

    Explore Volume 1

    The inaugural edition of the Trial Lawyer's Journal set a new standard for law journal publications. With limited ads and one-of-a-kind content, it was created to celebrate wins both in and outside the courtroom.