Is a Good File

MATT CAIRNS SPENT THIRTY-ONE years in private practice in New Hampshire, defending corporations, insurers, and individuals in civil litigation. “I was trying cases at all levels of state and federal court as well as administrative agencies,” Cairns says. “Those cases ranged from the absurd to the mundane to the complex.” Working out of a smaller jurisdiction like New Hampshire meant that specialization wasn’t necessarily a possibility; instead, the variety of products, defendants, and plaintiffs offered a more holistic view of litigation. Now associate general counsel for litigation at Textron, Cairns has a chance to put more than three decades of compiled client knowledge into serving just one client.

Since coming to Textron in January of 2018, Cairns says he’s tried to provide a new set of eyes on a role that his predecessor spent sixteen years in. “It’s tough to come in and replace someone who has been here that long,” Cairns admits. “My goal has been to identify the things that have worked really well and keep doing those while also looking for opportunities to adapt to new expectations and new environments.”

Going in-house meant venturing into a new environment for Cairns, who says he’s already learned a big lesson about big data. “One of the things you don’t appreciate when you’re in private

An Organized Defense

Matt Cairns says being involved in legal organizations has offered him the chance to work with the finest minds from around the world. “I have the distinct privilege and honor to have been the president of the largest of those defense-oriented organizations, DRI,” Cairns says. From that organization along with the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and a host of other groups, Cairns has not only been able to learn from others but also mentor the next generation of lawyers.