Matthew W. Chapel earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University’s Franklin Thomas Backus School of Law in 1995 and launched his legal career, mainly in insurance defense of municipalities and public officials in Ohio including law enforcement officers. From January 1997 to June of 2000, Matt was House Counsel for the Celina Insurance Group. As House Counsel, Matt expanded his legal practice in 1998 to practice in Indiana. He was responsible for providing civil defense for Celina’s insureds in both Ohio and Indiana. He started his own private criminal defense and personal injury practice in 2000.

His dedication to helping clients resolve all levels of criminal defense matters includes those accused of crimes ranging from simple violations and misdemeanors to major felonies. He is a National Institute for Trial Advocacy (NITA) Master and incorporates further advanced trial and litigation skills obtained from Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College in Wyoming. Matt’s military service in the U.S. Marine Corps afforded him a tireless work ethic and fighting spirit. His finely tuned trial advocacy skills have led to an extensive list of acquittals after trial for his clients. Matt has helped clients avoid tedious and stressful trials by securing fair and reasonable dispositions for them, short of a jury verdict - including the dismissal of charges - before trial. Matt brings his litigation skills to civil court to fight for the injured and their families in Ohio and in Indiana. He has recovered monies in the seven-figures. He has a special interest in traumatic brain injury (TBI). If you suffer from TBI, please contact Matt with questions about your criminal or personal injury case. 

Matt's Training and Education: 

1978 — Enlisted in the United States Marine Corps

1995 — J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, Cleveland, Ohio

1995 — Licensed in Ohio

1995 — Associate Attorney for Ward & Associates to provide civil defense for police officers, public officials & municipalities

1997 — House Counsel for the Celina Insurance Group

1998 — Licensed in Indiana

2000 — Started his Private Practice in Criminal Defense and Personal Injury

2004 — NITA Advocate

2005 — NITA Master Advocate

2007 — Graduate of Gerry Spense's Trial Lawyers College

Associations:

Indiana Trial Lawyers Association

Ohio Association for Justice

Trial Lawyers College Region 7

Million Dollar Advocate Forum

Multi Million Dollar Advocate Forum