Sidley Austin associate Matt Simpson is gearing up for the Paralympic Games, which commence on August 28. This marks Simpson’s third time participating in the event, having previously competed in Tokyo in 2021 and Rio in 2016, where he contributed to his team’s victory, earning a silver medal.
Simpson, who has a congenital retinal disease, plays goalball, a unique team sport where all players are blindfolded. Discussing his journey, Simpson shared his excitement about the sport, stating that picking up a goalball for the first time was significant because unlike other activities he participated in throughout his life, his vision did not play a role in goalball. He emphasized the level playing field that goalball provides, allowing him to focus solely on hard work and skill.
Balancing his athletic pursuits with his legal career poses a challenge for Simpson. He described his schedule as a “juggling act,” where he fits in training around his responsibilities at work and family time with his wife and three children. This often includes early morning or late evening workouts, practice with local teams, and weekend travel to join the national team for competitions. He remarked on his training routine, which involves independent drills in his basement to simulate game conditions.
After graduating from the University of Virginia Law School, Simpson joined Sidley Austin but recently completed a clerkship with Judge Benjamin Beaton of the Western District of Kentucky. He just returned to the firm last week, giving him little time to settle back into Biglaw life before heading to Paris for the Games.