Biography
Matthew Okiishi is an attorney with the Finney Law Firm, focusing his practice on labor and employment law and civil litigation for individual and business clients in both Ohio and Kentucky. He has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in Employment Litigation since 2026.
Originally from Whittier, California, Matt earned his J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2017. He is an avid fan of The “World Famous” Ohio State Buckeyes and his hometown Los Angeles Dodgers.
Admitted to Practice
State of Ohio, 2017
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio, 2018
United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, 2020
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, 2024
Education
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., 2017
Maryville University of St. Louis, BA, cum laude, 2013
Memberships and Community Involvement
Ohio State Bar Association
Cincinnati Bar Association
Potter Stewart Inn of Court
Cincinnati Academy of Leadership for Lawyers Class 27 (2025)
Knights of Columbus, Brother Hugh Henderson Assembly No. 369
Faithful Scribe – 2023-Present
Knights of Columbus, Salve Regina Council No. 14834
Grand Knight – 2025-Present
Deputy Grand Knight – 2023-2025
Representative Cases
Noble v. Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, 112 F.4th 373 (6th Cir. 2024) (successfully argued that the Public Library violated the free speech rights of client when client was terminated for posting a meme critical of a mass social movement)
Schafer v. Levey, 2024-Ohio-1605 (1st Dist.) (successfully argued that the trial court erred in granting a motion to compel communications between a litigant and her former attorney without conducting an evidentiary hearing or in-camera review to determine the applicability of the attorney-client privilege)
McGonegle v. Union Institute and University, et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-199 (S.D. Ohio) (represented collective of employees in the successful recovery of unpaid wages)
Byrd v. Licking Pike, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:23-cv-00056 (E.D. Ky.) (represented exotic dancer in Fair Labor Standards Action to successfully recover unpaid tips and wages)
