Matthew McNerney

Matt helps clients navigate complex environmental and energy challenges. Drawing on experience in both federal government and private practice, he helps clients navigate regulatory compliance, enforcement matters, and administrative rulemakings by cutting through complexity to find workable, common-sense solutions that balance legal requirements with operational realities. He guides clients through investigations, enforcement proceedings, litigation strategy, settlement negotiations, and rulemaking processes, levering deep experience with the Clean Air Act and federal environmental law.

Prior to joining Michael Best, Matt worked in the US EPA Office of General Counsel where he advised on defensive litigation, settlement negotiations, and national-scope rulemakings under the Clean Air Act. His work with EPA required translating technical regulations into clear legal strategy and finding pragmatic paths forward on contentious issues while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders. Earlier in his career, Matt worked for a global law firm, where he represented clients in environmental investigations and enforcement proceedings, focusing on realistic compliance strategies and efficient resolution of disputes. He also coordinated consent decree implementation and managed teams, ensuring that legal solutions were executable on the ground.

Matt’s background also includes hands-on legal and policy work with leading environmental organizations, where he tackled real-world issues—including water conservation, emissions monitoring, and clean energy financing—that demanded straightforward analysis. This foundation continues to inform his practical, solution-oriented approach to environmental law.

Solutions in action