Matthew R. Smalls

Matthew R. Smalls is a distinguished attorney, government affairs strategist, and registered lobbyist with more than two decades of experience navigating the complex intersections of law, policy, and politics in New York State. 

Mr. Smalls has built his reputation on delivering results where others see insurmountable obstacles. His recent accomplishments demonstrate both strategic acumen and tenacity.  Recently, he successfully orchestrated the reversal of an adverse regulatory interpretation by the New York State Department of Health, protecting healthcare technology companies from potential federal DEA enforcement actions through targeted engagement with the agency and Executive Chamber.  In what stands as one of the most significant consumer protection achievements in recent years, Mr. Smalls led a multi-year campaign resulting in the enactment of the nation's strongest comprehensive pharmacy benefits manager (PBM) regulations, safeguarding independent pharmacy owners from anticompetitive practices including underwater reimbursement rates, steering, and network exclusion.

Despite his successful government relations advocacy, Mr. Smalls continues to work with individuals in criminal courts throught the State.  He recently secured the full exoneration of a mother and son accused of assault.  While seemingly a minor matter, Mr. Smalls recognizes that everyday New Yorkers deserve the same high level strategic advocacy as major corporations.    

Experience that Matters
Mr. Smalls served with distinction in the New York State Senate, rising from Associate Counsel to Special Counsel between 2009 and 2013. In this capacity, he provided confidential legal and ethical guidance to Senate Leadership and served as lead counsel representing Senate Members and staff before federal and state investigative bodies, including the FBI, U.S. Attorneys for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the New York State Attorney General, and the Inspector General of the State of New York.

Mr. Smalls honed his litigation skills as an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office from 2004 to 2007, where he served as lead prosecutor on hundreds of criminal cases spanning DWI, narcotics, white-collar fraud, and violent crimes.

His notable cases include the successful exoneration of an individual wrongfully convicted of felony burglary in the 1980s, securing the dismissal of a murder indictment against a teenage client accused of patricide, and defending an individual in a complex 600+ count identity theft case. These high-profile matters underscore his commitment to justice and his exceptional legal skills.

Professional Distinction and Community Leadership
Mr. Smalls's influence extends beyond his client work. He was recognized in City and State Magazine's "Who's Who in Government Relations" in March 2024, a testament to his standing among New York's political elite. He is a member of Aaron's Beard professional development organization and served on the Steering Committee of the Meadowland Park Conservancy in South Orange, New Jersey. His commitment to civic engagement is further demonstrated through his former roles as statewide voter protection coordinator for New York State Attorney General Letitia James and as a Board Member of Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar in Albany.

Education and Credentials
Mr. Smalls earned his Juris Doctorate from New York Law School in 2004, where he was awarded the Dean's Scholarship and recognized as a Second Century Scholar and New York State Regents Professional Scholar. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Rochester (1998), where he received multiple academic honors and scholarships. In 2022, he completed a Certificate in Professional Coaching from New York University School of Professional Studies, enhancing his ability to develop leaders and drive organizational success.

He is admitted to practice before the New York State Appellate Division, Second Department, as well as the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.