Matthew P. Kostolnik

Member

Minneapolis

(612) 877-5334

(612) 260-9080

Recent News:

Am Law 100 Firm Cozen O’Connor Finalizes its Merger with Minneapolis-based Moss & Barnett

Cozen O’Connor has completed its acquisition by merger of Moss & Barnett, one of Minnesota’s leading law firms, adding more than 50 attorneys and bringing the overall roster to over 1,000 attorneys.

As a litigator, Matt concentrates his practice on defending and prosecuting civil actions at all stages of litigation, from initial case filing through trial, appeal, or settlement. Matt provides advice to businesses and individuals in a variety of matters, most commonly including business disputes and negotiations, contracts, unfair competition/post-employment litigation, insurance issues, and liability claims. His trial background includes trying 12 cases to conclusion before a jury, as well as numerous bench trials and binding arbitration decisions.

In addition to his trial work, Matt has briefed and argued before the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals. His litigation cases frequently require him to manage complex procedural and legal matters involving injunctions and restraining orders, dispositive and nondispositive motions, discovery and depositions, class actions, alternative dispute resolution, and administrative hearings.

Known among his legal peers as collegial and responsive, Matt is frequently relied upon as local counsel for out-of-state lawyers whose clients have cases located in the state and federal courts of Minnesota.

Matt joined Cozen O'Connor in 2026 along with his colleagues from Moss & Barnett. There, he served as chair of M&B’s litigation practice group and as general counsel for the firm. Matt was also a member of Moss & Barnett’s professional liability defense team and creditors’ remedies department. He earned his B.A., cum laude, from St. John's University and his J.D., also cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School.

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Experience

News

Am Law 100 Firm Cozen O’Connor Finalizes its Merger with Minneapolis-based Moss & Barnett

January 05, 2026

Cozen O’Connor has completed its acquisition by merger of Moss & Barnett, one of Minnesota’s leading law firms, adding more than 50 attorneys and bringing the overall roster to over 1,000 attorneys.

Education

  • University of Minnesota Law School, J.D., cum laude, 2001
  • St. John's University, B.A., cum laude, 1998

Awards & Honors

Minnesota Super Lawyers (2024-present)

Minnesota Rising Stars (2005-2009, 2011-2012)

  • Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court -- Southern District of Indiana
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota
  • U.S. District Court -- North Dakota
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Tennessee
  • U.S. District Court -- Eastern District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. District Court -- Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

 

Federal Bar Association

 

 

Minnesota State Bar Association

 

 

Hennepin County Bar Association

 

 

Amdahl Inn of Court

 

 

Association of Professional Responsibility Lawyers

 

FBI Citizens’ Academy Alumni Association

Eagle Brook Church, volunteer

Mustang Wrestling, volunteer

North Suburban Soccer Association, volunteer

Mounds View Youth Football, volunteer

Shoreview Parks & Recreation, volunteer

The Fund for the Legal Aid Society – One Hour of Sharing Associates Campaign, former solicitor