Covington & Burling LLP operates as a limited liability partnership worldwide, with the practice in England and Wales conducted by an affiliated
limited liability multinational partnership, Covington & Burling LLP, which is formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in the United States
and authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with registration number 77071..
Matthew Shapanka draws on more than 15 years of experience from Capitol Hill, private practice, state government, and political campaigns to counsel clients significant legislative, regulatory, and enforcement matters. He develops and executes complex, multifaceted public policy initiatives for clients seeking actions by Congress, state legislatures, and federal and state government agencies, many with significant legal and political opportunities and risks. Matt also leads the firm’s state policy practice, advising clients on complex multistate legislative and regulatory policy matters and managing state advocacy efforts.
Matt rejoined Covington after serving as Chief Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, where he advised Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on all legal, policy, and oversight matters before the Committee, including federal election and campaign finance law, Federal Election Commission nominations, and oversight of legislative branch agencies, U.S. Capitol security, and Senate rules and regulations. Most significantly, Matt led the Committee’s staff work on the Electoral Count Reform Act – a landmark bipartisan law enacted in 2022 to update the procedures for certifying and counting votes in presidential elections —and the Committee’s joint (with the Homeland Security Committee) bipartisan investigation into the security planning and response to the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol.
Both in Congress and at Covington, Matt has prepared dozens of corporate and nonprofit executives, academics, government officials, and presidential nominees for testimony at congressional committee hearings and depositions. He is also an experienced legislative drafter who has composed dozens of bills introduced in Congress and state legislatures, including several that have been enacted into law across multiple policy areas.
In addition to his policy work, Matt advises and represents clients on the full range of political law compliance and enforcement matters involving federal election, campaign finance, lobbying, and government ethics laws, the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Pay-to-Play” rule, and the election and political laws of states and municipalities across the country.
Before law school, Matt worked in the administration of former Governor Deval Patrick (D-MA) as a research analyst in the Massachusetts Recovery & Reinvestment Office, where he worked on policy, communications, and compliance matters for federal economic recovery funding awarded to the state. He has also worked for federal, state, and local political candidates in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Providing comprehensive government affairs advice and representation to Fortune 200 technology company on federal and state technology policy and legislation.
Advising fintech company on financial regulatory policy and legislation across more than a dozen states.
Represented multiple political reform organizations on policy and legislation to strengthen U.S. democracy.
Represented major national legal organization on state policy matters.
Advised multi-billion-dollar pension trust fund on policy matters before Congress and the Administration.
Advised dozens businesses – including a Fortune 10 company – on state laws, policies, and emergency orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Congressional Investigations
Represented multiple major financial institutions and pharmaceutical companies in investigations before congressional committees.
Represented government official subpoenaed to give deposition before congressional oversight committee
Election and Political Law
Represented a large investment advisory firm in successful application for exemption from the Securities and Exchange Commission “Pay-to-Play” Rule.
Represented multiple private equity firms in conducting political law due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.
Represented statewide political candidate in successful defense of eligibility to appear on the ballot.
Represented multiple clients – including a Fortune 50 energy company – on federal and state lobbying and Foreign Agents Registration Act compliance.
Successfully represented Nanticoke Indian Tribe in seeking legislation granting the tribe formal recognition in the State of Delaware.
Represented non-profit Making Every Vote Count on presidential election reform policy and legislation.
Represented national homelessness advocacy organization to secure significant reforms to the title V of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and on other policy matters before Congress and the Administration.
Represented Prison Legal News in First Amendment prison censorship litigation, including oral argument before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.
Memberships and Affiliations
American Bar Association
California Political Attorneys Association
American Constitution Society
Tufts Lawyers Association
National Eagle Scout Association
Previous Experience
U.S. Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, Chairwoman Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chief Counsel
Covington & Burling LLP, Associate
Massachusetts Recovery & Reinvestment Office, Research Analyst
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