Matthew J. Frank - Madison, WI

Attorney Matt Frank's practice focuses on environmental, energy, and natural resources law. He provides experienced counsel to businesses, start-ups, municipalities, utilities, organizations and individuals in a wide range of environmental and energy matters, helping clients successfully navigate regulatory and legal challenges. In addition, Frank assists clients in achieving their goals in areas such as renewable energy development, energy efficiency, green building, natural resource protection and sustainability.

Frank is a former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Assistant Attorney General with the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). During his tenure as DNR Secretary from 2007 through 2010, he oversaw the DNR's regulatory and permitting programs, including air and water quality, waste and recycling, wetlands, groundwater, environmental clean-ups and brownfields restoration. Frank worked closely with businesses and communities on sustainability initiatives such as the Green Tier program and the Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter. He also worked closely on environmental and natural resource issues with officials in the Environmental Protection Agency, other federal agencies, states across the country, and Wisconsin tribal and local governments.

Frank's environmental achievements at the DNR include the start of full-scale clean-up of PCB's in the Fox River, passage of the Great Lakes Compact, initiatives to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 90% and reducing phosphorous in Wisconsin's lakes and streams. He also created a new DNR partnership with the University of Wisconsin to research and understand the future impacts of climate change on Wisconsin's environment and economy, including business, agriculture, tourism, and urban and rural communities.

Prior to serving as DNR Secretary, Frank served for 22 years as an Assistant Attorney General at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ). An accomplished prosecutor and litigator, his tenure at DOJ included serving as the Director of the Criminal Litigation, Antitrust and Consumer Protection Unit. During his last six years at DOJ, he led the Legal Services Division, the largest public law firm in the state, providing legal representation to state agencies, the legislature and the Governor. Frank also served for four years as Secretary of the Department of Corrections, the largest agency in state government.

Clients value Frank's unique blend of experience as a lawyer and executive in the public sector. He combines strong advocacy and litigation skills, an understanding of local, state and federal governments, and extensive pragmatic and problem-solving experience to help clients achieve their goals.