Matthew A. Ceriale

Matthew A. Ceriale is a litigation associate at Cantrell Schuette, where he represents clients in complex business disputes, post-judgment collections, and high-stakes commercial litigation. He brings a strategic, detail-driven approach to every matter and is known for quickly diagnosing legal issues and developing practical paths to resolution – whether through negotiation, motion practice, or trial.

Before joining Cantrell Schuette, Matthew practiced at multiple prominent Tampa Bay law firms with both local and nationally focused practices. His experience spans a wide range of disputes, including shareholder and contract disputes, restrictive covenant litigation, class actions, and commercial and residential landlord-tenant matters. This breadth of experience allows Matthew to anticipate challenges early and position his clients for efficient, favorable outcomes.

Matthew’s litigation background is supported by a strong foundation in advocacy. During law school, he competed internationally with Stetson University College of Law’s arbitration team, earning an eighth-place global finish among nearly 400 teams. He continues to give back to the legal community as an Advocacy Skills Trainer at Stetson University, the nation’s top-ranked advocacy law school, where he mentors future litigators in persuasive writing and oral advocacy.

A consistent high achiever, Matthew graduated in the top 2.5% of his undergraduate class and the top 3% of his law school class. He has received multiple honors recognizing excellence in trial advocacy and written and oral persuasion, reflecting his commitment to precision, preparation, and results.

Outside the office, Matthew enjoys exploring Florida’s waterways and expanding his proficiency in French and Spanish.