Meet the team

Matthew K. Sparkes

Matt Sparkes comes to ADS with a background in both legislative policymaking and regulatory law. He advises clients on all aspects of government relations, with a focus on public policy development and legislative strategy. He is responsible for the firm's in-house legal portfolio and provides guidance regarding state and federal ethics and campaign finance provisions. Prior to joining ADS, Matt served as Special Counsel for the Division of Trading and Markets at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington. In his role with the SEC, he assisted with the development of complex securities market rules and provided guidance to financial services firms on regulatory compliance.

Before entering practice, Matt worked on Capitol Hill in Washington as an adviser to Members of Congress; first as Special Assistant to former Rep. John E. Sweeney, and later as Legislative Assistant to former Rep. James T. Walsh. For Rep. Walsh, Matt handled a broad range of issues including national security, international affairs, taxation, energy, and commerce and was responsible for a large portfolio of appropriations matters. Matt served as Rep. Walsh's principal liaison to multiple Appropriations Subcommittees, the Defense Base Realignment and Closure Commission and the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. During law school, Matt was an extern to a U.S. District Judge and worked as a law clerk in the public policy group of a major international law firm.

An attorney licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Matt is a member of numerous professional organizations. He received his undergraduate degree from the College of the Holy Cross and his J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law.