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Buckingham associate earns 30 for the Future Award
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: September 3, 2013
As an associate at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Matthew Duncan puts in long hours handling various litigation matters but his work doesn’t end there. The northeast Ohio native said he makes it a point to give back to the community, serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations and volunteering for organizations like Haven of Rest Ministries, which aids the homeless.
“I enjoy working with people who need help,” said Duncan. “I get great satisfaction from doing this and I learn a lot at the same time.”
His dedication to both his job and the betterment of the Akron area recently earned him a 30 for the Future award from the Greater Akron Chamber. The awards are given to young professionals between the ages of 25 and 39 whose contributions impact their industries and the Greater Akron region. Recipients are nominated by members of the chamber and regional nonprofit organizations, including many of the area’s young professional groups.
“I was surprised and humbled by the award,” said Duncan. “I have never sought recognition for what I do, but it is nice to be noticed nonetheless.”
“Matt is a good godly man,” said Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs partner Patrick Keating. “He is a very skilled attorney and he always looks for ways to give back,” said Keating, who is Duncan’s supervising attorney. “I wish we had more of him.”
Born in Highland Park, Illinois, Duncan moved to Akron at age 3 attending public school in the Ellet community. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Wheaton College in Illinois, he moved back to Ohio earning his juris doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.
Duncan had his first introduction to Buckingham as a docket clerk at the firm after graduating from college.
“The job gave me a chance to decide if a legal career was something that I wanted, and I liked it so I decided to pursue it,” said Duncan.
Duncan returned to the firm as a summer associate at the end of his second year in law school, officially joining the ranks in the fall of 2003.
“I enjoy litigation because it gives you the opportunity to help people in time of crisis or indecision reach the best result,” said Duncan. “Sometimes it involves counseling instead of litigation. I also enjoy the challenge of crafting legal solutions and strategies.”
While he volunteers his time for a variety of endeavors, Duncan said he is most passionate about the work he does for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties, which provides mentors to at-risk youth.
Duncan has served on the board of directors for the past six and a half years, including two years as president.
“I take children who are on the waiting list for mentors to different events like our summer picnic or holiday party,” Duncan said. “It is always an eye-opening experience to see the backgrounds of these children and how they live. It makes you realize why you are doing what you are doing.”
“Matt is very committed to helping in any way that he can to change the lives of the children in our community,” said Kamelia Fisher, executive director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties. “He is a wonderful advocate, not only looking for ways that he can personally help but also encouraging and recruiting others to do the same.”
The Copley Township resident also serves on the board of the Eastgate Alliance Church in Akron, where he directs the vacation Bible school in the summer. In addition to his efforts at the Haven of Rest, Duncan has also volunteered for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk and The Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges.
“Matt is the son of a pastor, and oftentimes people think the preacher’s kids are the biggest troublemakers but that’s not the case with Matt. He is the exact opposite,” said Keating.
Duncan said he plans to continue to build his practice at Buckingham while looking for ways to help even more people in the future.
“I would especially like to work with other organizations that focus on youth,” said Duncan. “Children are incredibly perceptive. Working with them keeps you feeling young.”
The seventh annual 30 for the Future awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, Sept.12 at 5 p.m. at The Tangier on West Market Street in Akron.