Biography

Matt Warner is an experienced regulatory, political and constitutional lawyer who focuses his practice on the intersection of law, politics and public policy. He’s in his comfort zone helping clients navigate difficult and high-profile issues including the direction of the country’s legal cannabis industry, efforts to ensure widespread ballot access and free elections, and the future of hydropower and Maine’s renewable energy resources.

Equally at home arguing constitutional law in a court of appeals or negotiating with top political leaders, Matt’s practice extends nationwide. He has helped clients in more than a dozen states with legal problems ranging from state agencies that improperly deny a license, to state laws that are unconstitutional, to sticky regulatory issues, and even contract disputes. Matt has also been recognized by Law360 as one of the country’s top lawyers in the field of cannabis, after pioneering a series of successful constitutional challenges to state marijuana laws. 

Matt also helps clients coordinate political campaigns to influence regulators and policymakers. Drawing on his broad experience as a speechwriter and on political campaigns, Matt enjoys working with clients on everything from messaging and communications to building coalitions and developing facts that can be used to move public opinion.

A native of Holden, Maine, Matt is an enthusiastic mountain biker and ice climber and regularly participates in ultra-endurance races. He lives in Cumberland with his two young sons, both of whom are already better climbers than he is.

Professional Activities

  • Maine State Bar Association
  • Adjunct Professor, University of Maine School of Law
  • Board of Directors, New England Mountain Bike Association - Southern Maine Chapter

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized as a Super Lawyers New England Rising Star in the area of general litigation
  • Law360 MVP of the Year in Cannabis, 2021
  • Benchmark Litigation "40 & Under List," 2022-Present

Firm Highlights

Publication

131st Legislature Second Regular Session Update

Adjournment and Veto Day After a marathon last day of session, members of the Preti Legislative Practice Group were at the State House on April 18 th to witness the Maine State Legislature head...

Event

Maine HR Convention: Navigating AI in the Hiring Process

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving part of our daily lives and is increasingly being used by employers. AI tools can help relieve some of the administrative burden on short-staffed HR teams, help find higher-quality candidates...

News

Attorney Jeffrey Thaler Named to 2024 Lawdragon Green 500: Leaders in Energy Law

Preti Flaherty’s attorney Jeffrey Thaler has been recognized by  Lawdragon  as one of the top 500 Leaders in Energy Law. This is Jeff’s third time named to this prestigious list since the first publication...

Publication

Supreme Court Rules Certain Impact Fees Unconstitutional

A recent Supreme Court ruling in  Sheetz v. County of El Dorado  makes it clear that impact fees adopted by a legislative body may work as an unconstitutional taking of property. The Issue: This...

News

Benchmark Litigation Names Preti Flaherty 2024 “Maine Firm of the Year"

Benchmark Litigation  has named Preti Flaherty as 2024 Litigation Firm of the Year in the State of Maine. Through extensive peer- and- client reviewed research, as well as analysis of casework; the Benchmark Awards...

Publication

Re/Descheduling Marijuana Through Administrative Action

In the article "Re/Descheduling Marijuana Through Administrative Action" published in the Oklahoma Law Review , authors Scott Bloomberg, Alexandra Harriman, and Shane Pennington explore the complex legal framework surrounding the federal scheduling of marijuana...

News

Preti Attorneys File Suit Against Al-Generated Robocalls in the 2024 NH Presidential Primary

Representing the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the League of Women Voters of the United States, and individual voters, Preti Flaherty, with co-counsel, filed a federal lawsuit against Steve Kramer, Lingo Telecom...

Event

Conducting Success: Tuning Up Your Discipline and Performance Framework

As an HR professional, hiring the right talent, addressing employee needs, and managing terminations are just a few of the most challenging problems that arise. During this year's three-part Employment Breakfast Webinar Series, we'll...

Publication

Maine Government Contracting and Procurement Update: Public Access Under FOAA to Trade Secrets in Proposals and Bid Documents

Those doing business with state, county, and local government in Maine need to know their way around public records laws. What is the risk that sensitive or proprietary business information submitted in response to...

Event

When to Say Goodbye: Navigating Leave and Terminations

As an HR professional, hiring the right talent, addressing employee needs, and managing terminations are just a few of the most challenging problems that arise. During this year's three-part Employment Breakfast Webinar Series, we'll...