Monday Profile: Matt Cameron

Matt Cameron is an Ann Arbor native and a 2001 graduate of Pioneer High School. He studied history and theatre performance at Kalamazoo College, where he met his wife, Kelly.

After a two-year hiatus from higher education, Cameron attended Wayne State University Law School. While there, he interned with Judge Nancy G. Edmunds in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and also worked as an intern for Robert Bosch, LLC’s in-house legal department. 

After graduating from law school in 2011, Cameron spent the first four years of his legal career at Morganroth & Morganroth, PLLC, in Birmingham.

In March of 2015, Cameron made the move back to Ann Arbor, where he now works at Conlin, McKenney & Philbrick, P.C. 

The Camerons have twin boys, Connor and Callum, and live in South Lyon.  Cameron is the chairman of the board of the Penny Seats Theatre Company, and performs in many of its shows.

By Jo Mathis
Legal News

What is your most treasured material possession? My grandfather’s pocket-watch, that my aunt had refurbished, or my kilt. 

What advice do you have for someone considering law school? 
I would urge them to make certain that being a lawyer is something that they really want to do.  Jobs are scarce now,  and the legal field is becoming increasingly competitive. 

Favorite local hangouts: Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub has always been a favorite, as well as the original Knight’s and Carlyle restaurants. 

Favorite websites: umhoops.com, mgoblog.com and Facebook.com.

What is your happiest childhood memory? I have many great memories from the Homestead in Traverse City.  My family used to go there every year and it was always the highlight of my summer.

Why did you become a lawyer?  My father is an attorney, so I was familiar with the legal field at a very young age.  My academic strengths also helped lead me to law school, as I was always very successful in language arts and history.  As an actor, it seemed only natural to pursue litigation.

What are the most important things you've learned about the profession from your dad, Dykema attorney Jim Cameron? My father has taught me innumerable things about the practice of law and life in general.  One common thread in both of these areas is ethics.  My father is unquestionably the best man that I know and he has always taught me to do things the right way.

What would surprise people about your job?
The amount of work that litigators do outside of the courtroom.

What do you wish someone would invent?  I think it’s already been invented, but I am very much looking forward to the driverless car.  I am big on multi-tasking and this development would be huge for me. 

What has been your favorite year so far? I strive to live in the moment, so my favorite year would have to be 2015.

What is your most typical mood? Goofy.

Favorite beverage: Single-malt scotch, preferably from the Highlands or Speyside regions. 

Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party? All of my family and close friends.  The more, the merrier.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?  It would be interesting to trade places with my wife so I could see our lives from her perspective. 

What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been? 
Scotland.

What is your proudest moment as a lawyer?  Winning the first two summary disposition motions that I argued; which happened to be on the same day.

How did you earn your first dollar? 
By charging admission to a “fossil museum” my best friend and I put together in my parents’ basement.

Do you have spiritual beliefs?
  Absolutely.  I identify as Christian, but try to stay away from the dogmatic aspects of religion.  I believe that spirituality is a life-long journey and I’m still figuring things out.

What do you do to relax? I love a good nap.

How would you describe your home? Comfortable and relaxing.

What word do you overuse?
There could probably be a bunch, but I’ll go with “absurd.”

What is one thing you would like to learn to do? To learn how to speak Scottish Gaelic. 

What is something most people don't know about you?  I managed a fine jewelry store in between college and law school.

What is the best advice you ever received?
  “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”  A common saying, but it has particular significance for me.

What do you drive? 
A 2015 Jeep Cherokee.

What would you drive if money were no object? Probably a 2015 Jeep Cherokee.

Favorite place to spend money: 
Amazon.com or at local restaurants.   

What is your motto?
The motto of the Cameron Clan: Aonaibh Ri Cheile (Unite).  I think the notion of unity holds particular significance in 2015 America. 
 

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