$ 420-420 per hour
Matthew R. Abel
About Matthew
Biography
Matthew Abel has been a practicing attorney in Michigan for over 30 years, and is the Executive Director of Michigan NORML .. Matt founded Cannabis Counsel, P.L.C., a five-attorney Detroit, Michigan law firm entirely devoted to cannabis clients and cases, providing both business advice and legal counseling as well as criminal defense in marijuana cases throughout Michigan. Since passage of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act in 2008, the practice has rapidly grown to include not only business clients and issues, but also contract, real estate, employment, drug testing, probation, family law, landlord-tenant, intellectual property, and other issues surrounding cannabis. Cannabis Counsel P.L.C. is a member of the National Cannabis Industries Association. The firm's client list includes patients, caregivers, clubs, collectives, dispensaries, garden supply stores, physicians, publishers, inventors, and other medical marijuana entrepreneurs, and Mr. Abel often serves in an "of counsel" relationship with other lawyers, assisting them in their cases.
Matthew Abel is a lifetime member of the NORML Legal Committee, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the National Cannabis Bar Association, where he serves on the board of directors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Cannabis Bar Association. He has lectured on marijuana law for Oaksterdam University in Michigan, the Michigan Cannabis College, MedGrow Cannabis College, the Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Cloverleaf University, and to other organizations throughout the state. Matthew Abel was one of the drafters and serves on the board of the Michigan statewide marijuana legalization ballot initiative known as MILegalize: .
Mr. Abel holds a Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University Law School, a Master of Science in Public Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor in Philosophy from Central Michigan University, and an Associate in Criminal Justice from Castleton State College.
Mr. Abel authored a June 1996 Michigan Bar Journal article titled "The Michigan Information Network, Will West™ Go South?", and co-authored an article in Volume 58 of the Wayne Law Review THE FEDERAL CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES ACT DOES NOT PREEMPT THE MICHIGAN MEDICAL MARIHUANA ACT.
Matt also is a past President of Livonia Bar Association, and an Eagle Scout.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 39 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1986
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2020
Location
Cannabis Counsel, P.L.C.
2930 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI, 48207-5029
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Matthew R. Abel's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
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Matthew R. Abel's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Matthew Abel is the best in his field. I consulted Matthew for a business-related project, and found him to be extremely knowledgeable."
"I endorse Matt. Matt is an amazing attorney and someone I would send my friends and family to without hesitation."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have known Matt for many years, and he is a bright, innovative lawyer. Matt has helped change the marijuana laws in this state, and he is the state's leading defense lawyer on marijuana charges. If you are charged with a marijuana crime, there simply is no better attorney in Michigan to help you with your case."
Amy Peterman
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.
Reprimand issued in MI, 2020
updated on 03/27/2020Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.
Honors
N/A
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Work Experience
2000 - Present
President, Cannabis Counsel
Associations
2015 - Present
MILegalizeBoard of Directors
2007 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsLegal Counsel - Michigan
1992 - Present
State Bar of Michigan Representative AssemblyElected Representative
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. King (and Kolanek)
Case dismissed and marijuana plants returned
People v. Richmond, Michigan Supreme Court
Dismissal is reinstated - We win!
Education
1985
Wayne State University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
Central Michigan University
Master of Science in Administration
1979
Central Michigan University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1975
Castleton State College
Associate in Science
Speaking Engagements
2009
Oaksterdam University Law Professor
Cannabis Law
Publications
N/A
Michigan Bar Journal
The Michigan Information Network - Will West Go South?
Languages
English