Matthew Newton-Reid
Automatically compiled listing. Details may contain errors.Co-Managing Partner at Cohen Highley LLP
Personal Injury
Civil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionPersonal InjuryCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionAbout Matthew Newton-Reid
Matt Newton-Reid acts for people hurt through someone else's fault, and is co-managing partner of Cohen Highley in London. The work is plaintiff personal injury within a civil litigation practice, and many of Matt's trials have been fought against municipalities and insurance companies.
Matt grew up in London and studied at Western University on a Loran National Scholarship, finishing an honours degree in political science in 2009. A Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa followed in 2012. Today Matt helps lead the firm and describes the people there as more than friends, closer to family.
An injury, as Matt puts it, can upend someone's job, home life and family all at once. What Matt values most is getting clients the care and support they need to adjust to that changed life, and the client contact is the favourite part of the job. Listening to clients' concerns and treating them with compassion is what Matt finds most satisfying. Matt's advice to new litigators is that returning clients' calls and emails is essential, since even a brief weekend note promising a look on Monday eases an anxious client's mind.
Outside the office, balancing law with service to the community has long mattered to Matt, who believes lawyers should give their time and know-how to charities that can't afford one on retainer. That conviction has meant chairing the Thames Valley District School Board and later the Middlesex-London Board of Health, plus seats on several nonprofit boards.
Practice areas
Injury claims for plaintiffs
Matt represents injured people in claims arising from motor vehicle accidents, slips and falls and dog attacks, among other incidents. Municipal liability cases over snow and ice removal are a favourite, because the case law in that area can turn on a single fact.
Trials and appeals
Matt has argued before the Provincial Offences Court, administrative boards and tribunals, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Appeal. Municipalities and insurance companies are frequent opponents at trial.
Education & credentials
- Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with distinction (Weston Loran Scholar), Western University (2009)
- Juris Doctor, University of Ottawa (2012)
Notable cases
- Dupuis v. Waterloo (City), 2020 ONCA 96
Matt (as Matthew Reid) acted for the responding plaintiffs when the City of Waterloo asked for more time to perfect an appeal that had been due on May 14, 2019. The motion was dismissed.
Decisions where Matthew Newton-Reid appeared as counsel, from public court records. Past cases don't predict future results.
Awards & recognition
- Rising Star Award, Middlesex Law Association (2023)
- Finalist, Pillar Community Innovation Awards (Community Leadership), Pillar Nonprofit Network (2019)
- Ken Sadler Award for Outstanding Individual Contributions to the London Community, Pride London (2017)
- London's Top 20 Under 40, London Inc. Magazine (2016)
Publications & speaking
- Bicycle Injuries and Insurance Coverage, Cohen Highley On Air
Memberships & affiliations
- Middlesex-London Health Unit: Matt chaired the Middlesex-London Board of Health in 2024 and sits on it as a citizen appointee representing the City of London.
- Thames Valley District School Board: Matt was the elected trustee for London's wards 2 to 6 and was re-elected chair of the board on December 1, 2017.
- Ontario Justice Education Network: Matt was named co-chair of OJEN's committee for London and Middlesex, which builds educational tools to help young people understand the law and the justice system.
- HOBY Canada (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership): Matt is a past president and chair of the board of HOBY Canada.
- Humane Society London and Middlesex: Matt was vice chair of the Humane Society of London and Middlesex in 2023.
- Middlesex Law Association: Matt is a member of the Middlesex Law Association, as well as the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Bar Association.
In the community
- During undergraduate studies at Western, Matt won seats on both the Senate and the Board of Governors, and volunteered on HIV relief work in Tanzania.
- Matt has served on the boards of the Regional HIV/AIDS Connection and Goodwill Industries.
- In 2017, as Thames Valley school board chair, Matt spoke publicly about a shortage of bus drivers that was cutting short student field trips.
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This listing was generated by AI from public sources in October 2026. It may contain errors, and we can’t guarantee it’s accurate or complete. Before you rely on anything here, verify it on their firm’s website. Confirm Matthew Newton-Reid’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗
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