The roar inside the Carrier Dome still echoes years later. The final whistle, the rush of players onto the field, the realization that history had just been made. For Matt Carrigg ‘05, being a part of Maine-Endwell’s first-ever football state championship wasn’t just about the undefeated record or the 77-yeard touchdown pass he caught on that historic day- it was about building something unforgettable – and a bond of friendships that will last a lifetime.
“What made it so special was that many of us had played together since Pee Wee football. We had also played varsity football together since we were sophomores, and each year we kept getting better. It was an incredible experience to have won the championship with the people who I spent many years growing up with. Some of those teammates are still some of my best friends today. We remain in close communication, and we were in each other’s weddings. You just become incredibly close with people in those circumstances,” said Carrigg.
Carrigg says he’ll never forget the bus ride back from Syracuse that historic day. With a police escort and families lining the streets to greet the team – it’s a core memory he’ll hold always hold onto. But the lessons learned on the field would carry forward long after the final whistle.
“Through football, you learn to overcome challenges and injuries, perseverance, teamwork, and how to put the team above yourself. Sports are a microcosm for life. You learn all those habits in a safe environment, and then it becomes a springboard for college and your career. I am a better attorney today, and I think I've had success at Nixon Peabody, because playing sports has taught me how to be part of a team and how to lead one. That started at Maine-Endwell,” said Carrigg.
It’s a mindset that followed him into his professional career. After graduating from Maine-Endwell, Carrigg continued his academic journey at St. Lawrence University, where he also played baseball, before enrolling at Syracuse Law School in 2010. Along the way, he gained hands-on experience in the legal field, building the foundation for a career that continues to evolve, including a summer program at Levene Gouldin & Thompson and a subsequent job as a 3L student his final year of law school.
Carrigg graduated from Syracuse in May of 2013, studied for the bar, and started as a first-year associate at Levene Gouldin & Thompson in September of that year. His law career trajectory would later lead him to a position with one of the nation’s most prominent law firms – Nixon Peabody, where he’s remained ever since.
“It’s been an upward trajectory since I left Maine-Endwell. I’ve achieved each milestone I’ve set for myself and then moved on to the next,” said Carrigg.
Carrigg is now a partner in Nixon Peabody’s Affordable Housing and Real Estate group and as of February, the managing partner for the firm’s Rochester office. His day-to-day duties and practice focuses on various commercial and private real estate transactions. He represents borrowers and lenders, commercial real estate developers, and private companies.
“Helping clients solve problems is one of the most rewarding parts. Their problems are complicated, and they come to us as their trusted outside advisors. It’s a bit like putting a puzzle together,” said Carrigg.
He continued, “I love working at Nixon Peabody because the firm has a wide range of capabilities, and I don’t think I’ve ever received an inquiry that we could not handle. That’s an incredible environment to work in. We’re surrounded by smart, hardworking, dedicated people who provide excellent client service and are extremely knowledgeable in their practice areas. I also enjoy mentoring younger attorneys, helping them develop their career paths and navigate Nixon Peabody,” said Carrigg.
For Carrigg, the path to a career in law wasn’t always at the forefront, and his educational journey wasn’t always a straight line. He was originally a government major at St. Lawrence and took courses that touched on the Constitution, American politics, comparative politics, and more. While this was his first introduction to the legal process, it wouldn’t be his last.
“I got into trouble as a college student and had to defend myself in front of a student disciplinary board, which gave me a taste of how to advocate. I also served on a jury when I was home for the summer one year. The legal profession seemed like such a versatile way to make a living. There is so much you can do with a law degree and that’s what initially made me interested in it,” said Carrigg.
He continued, “I didn’t know I was going to be a commercial real estate attorney with a focus on affordable housing. I didn’t know what a low-income housing tax credit was until I came to Nixon Peabody. But I’m curious, I like to learn, I like to say yes to people, and I’ll take on assignments and client matters that are outside my comfort zone. I have figured out what I like along the way. I enjoy practicing real estate law with a focus on affordable housing, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding career,” said Carrigg.
Looking back, Carrigg’s advice to current students reflects the same mindset that guided him forward.
Be open to whatever opportunities present themselves. Be prepared so that you can jump on those opportunities, but you never know what saying yes will do for you - from whom you will meet to the type of work you get exposed to or the relationships that you’ll build along the way. If you’re open to opportunities, there’s no reason to fret about not knowing where your career path will lead or what your future holds. Be open to everything, and you’ll be surprised where it takes you,” said Carrigg.
He continued, “When I look back, I’ve been practicing since 2014. I couldn’t imagine the type of work that I’ve done. Some of it, I didn’t even know existed. If I had had a narrow mindset at that time, I wouldn’t be giving this interview today. So, I think that’s the best advice - to be open to whatever opportunities present themselves to you, said Carrigg.
From a perfect season under the lights to a leading role in a prestigious global firm, Matt Carrigg’s journey is a testament to the power of teamwork and the lasting impact of a community that rallies behind its own.