Matt ColesPhone: 770-995-5578     Email: mcoles@colesbarton.com     V-Card  

Matt Coles received his undergraduate degree from Emory University in 1984, where he was the recipient of a National Merit Scholarship in each of his four years. He received his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1987, where he was the recipient of the Milton Rattner Scholarship for academic achievement. Mr. Coles was also a member of the Moot Court Team, served on the Moot Court Board and was elected to the Order of Barristers.

Mr. Coles practiced in the litigation section of Smith, Gambrell & Russell from 1987 to 2009, where he was an equity partner. While at Smith, Gambrell, Mr. Coles developed a specialty representing hospitals, nursing homes, doctors, and other healthcare professionals in malpractice claims, licensure proceedings and with regard to credentialing issues. In addition Mr. Coles represented a wide variety of entities and individuals in general negligence claims. He also has substantial experience representing clients in courts in other jurisdictions. In 2009, Mr. Coles and his law partner, Tom Barton, left Smith, Gambrell to form the law firm of Coles Barton LLP. Mr. Coles maintains an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Coles has tried to verdict many malpractice claims and has successfully defended on appeal numerous favorable trial victories. He also has substantial experience representing clients in mediations and arbitrations. He is pleased to have been recognized for his outstanding defense work by, among other things, receiving several Defense Counsel of the Year Awards from AAOMS National Insurance Company and numerous Continuing Excellence Awards from OMS National Insurance Company. Mr. Coles was named OMS National Insurance Company and Fortress Insurance Company’s 2016 Attorney of the Year.