Matthew Baione

Matthew J. Baione is a founding partner of Pitta & Baione LLP, a New York law firm originally built on advocacy for the 9/11 community and now serving clients across a broad range of benefit, personal injury, estate, and transactional matters. Since co-founding the firm in 2016, Matthew has overseen the firm’s claims practice and client advocacy efforts, helping ensure that thousands of individuals and families receive the compensation and lifetime healthcare benefits to which they are entitled. Under his leadership, the firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of clients, including some of the firm’s most significant recoveries. Matthew plays a central role in the firm’s case strategy, client-quality assurance, crisis management, and long-term growth initiatives. Over the past decade, he has guided the firm and its clients through complex legal, administrative, and policy-related challenges involving the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), and related federal and state benefit systems. During the 2019 Victim Compensation Fund funding crisis, he helped coordinate large-scale filing and advocacy efforts connected to the eventual reauthorization of the Fund under the Never Forget the Heroes Act. He also serves as a liaison to federal administrators and policymakers on issues affecting the 9/11 community and has worked alongside advocacy organizations to support initiatives expanding protections and access to benefits for survivors, responders, and veterans. His efforts have included public outreach, legislative advocacy, and helping clients navigate issues extending beyond compensation claims, including probate and Medicaid-related matters. In addition to his legal practice, Matthew has played a significant role in the firm’s growth and community outreach efforts. He helped expand the firm’s presence within New York City’s immigrant communities, including the development of its Chinese-language practice and longstanding partnerships throughout Chinatown and Lower Manhattan. He has also led grassroots outreach initiatives and community engagement efforts that strengthened the firm’s reputation and client relationships across New York City. Internally, Matthew remains focused on mentorship, operational development, and building systems that allow the firm to continue delivering responsive, mission-driven representation. He has helped recruit and develop team members into leadership positions and continues to mentor interns, young attorneys, and support staff on advocacy, professionalism, and client service.