Matthew Justin Vance

In January, 2016, I contacted my former employer to request forms to initiate my benefits through their Executive Retirement Plan, a “Top Hat Plan” providing deferred compensation for a select group of management/highly compensated employees. Instead of following the official claims procedure, my for...mer employer declared that a separate settlement agreement that I had signed at the time of my leaving the company, in which I agreed not to make future claims against the company effectively made my claim for the pre-existing benefits null and void. Upon contacting the law firm that negotiated the settlement agreement they advised me that the issues involved with this particular ERISA governed plan were beyond their area of expertise. They sought out recommendations for the best lawyer to handle my situation. The lawyer they felt was the best was Matthew Vance. Thank goodness they found Matt Vance. Mr. Vance exhibited the highest degree of professionalism. He was forthright from the very start in explaining the challenges of handling ERISA governed plans and was most realistic in laying out my odds of winning a case, should it end up in court. Matt was extremely thorough in researching the background facts of the case. He tirelessly examined all of the documentation that I had and communications that I had received from my former employer. We had several conversations in which he asked probing questions to fully establish the pertinent facts, both those which supported my claim and those which potentially could be liabilities. He has been a pleasure to work with because: 1) he listens; 2) he explains, without using legal mumbo-jumbo; 3) he considers challenges to his thinking; and 4) he has treated me as a partner in this effort, listening to my suggestions and incorporating my points of view in his work product. (I went to Dartmouth and got my MBA from the Tuck School, and, obviously, that doesn’t mean I have legal expertise. But to be listened to was gratifying.) Matt Vance handled the filing of my Executive Retirement Plan claims forms. He wrote a blisteringly precise letter explaining why the position taken by the Plan Administrator denying my claim because of the settlement agreement had no legal merit. This was not a “you think this, but we think that” argument. The entire basis for the refutation of the employer’s position was based in case law, ERISA regulations and the rules of the employer program itself. Six pages of brilliant exposition. Again, I’m just a lay person, but I think I know a smart and cogent argument when I read it. My employer backed down completely. They accepted my claim. Thanks to Matt Vance, I can now look forward to receiving retirement benefits for the rest of my life. If you want someone who is talented, who is upfront and honest, who explores all the details, who argues the facts and the law, who is one helluva nice guy, I can recommend Matt Vance most highly. He is that good.

Matthew Vance is by far one of the most capable, honest and diligent attorneys that I have ever come in contact with. His dedication to his client is by far the best you will ever receive. His knowledge of the law is impeccable, as well as his ability to handle your situation that will achieve the re...sults you want as to why you hired an attorney. You will never be disappointed by having Matthew on your side. His compassion for his clients is what motivates him to get the best outcome for his clients.

I cannot say enough good things about Matthew. He goes out of his way to make certain you are on the right track, and that you have all of the essentials needed for success. Matthew is extremely personable, and knows his stuff. He is a pleasure to work with, and has given me invaluable advise. ... I highly recommend Matthew for any disability counseling.