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    Matthew P. Massey

    Partner

    Pensacola/Destin
    850-469-3302
    matthew.massey@phelps.com
    Areas Of Focus
    LitigationWhite Collar Defense and InvestigationsGovernment Relations and Public Policy

    Matthew P. Massey is a former federal prosecutor who defends clients in government investigations and high-stakes commercial litigation. He has first-chaired more than 20 jury trials and often handles cases that attract media attention. He defends executives, corporations, institutions, government contractors and others facing government investigation, subpoenas and enforcement actions.

    As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Matthew understands investigator perspectives and the interplay between the multiple agencies involved in complex actions. Experienced with both criminal and civil government enforcements, Matthew negotiates on behalf of officials, health care professionals, financial services and securities professionals, business owners and government contractors to close investigations and handle regulatory, grand jury and other special hearings.

    Clients benefit from Matthew’s reputation as a credible and professional advocate in federal and state agencies and courts. He offers persuasive and well-reasoned defenses that often lead to declination of charges, dismissals of investigations, acquittals and other discreet resolutions to clients’ existential threats. His representation protects clients from initial inquiry and subpoena through jury trial on allegations related to:

    • Controlled Substance Act
    • False Claims Act
    • Health care fraud
    • Money laundering
    • Qui tam litigation
    • SEC violations
    • Stark and Anti-Kickback laws

    Matthew completed a federal clerkship before joining the U.S. Department of Justice. His interactions on behalf of clients with government agencies include the FBI, DEA, IRS, SEC and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as well as cross-border issues. Matthew presents programs to professionals and clients to keep them ahead of emerging trends in government enforcements and minimize their risk exposure.

    Clients benefit from Matthew’s reputation as a credible and professional advocate in federal and state agencies and courts. He offers persuasive and well-reasoned defenses that often lead to declination of charges, dismissals of investigations, acquittals and other discreet resolutions to clients’ existential threats. His representation protects clients from initial inquiry and subpoena through jury trial on allegations related to:

    • Controlled Substance Act
    • False Claims Act
    • Health care fraud
    • Money laundering
    • Qui tam litigation
    • SEC violations
    • Stark and Anti-Kickback laws

    Matthew completed a federal clerkship before joining the U.S. Department of Justice. His interactions on behalf of clients with government agencies include the FBI, DEA, IRS, SEC and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as well as cross-border issues. Matthew presents programs to professionals and clients to keep them ahead of emerging trends in government enforcements and minimize their risk exposure.

    Experience

    Health Care Enforcement Actions

    • Preserved DEA registration for retail pharmacy and resolved agency action to permanently revoke the pharmacy’s license in response to an Order to Show Cause. Negotiated settlement with DEA that allowed the pharmacy to continue operations with minimal disruption.
    • Represented medical practice in qui tam federal investigation for billing allegations. Made presentations to the U.S. Attorney and FBI in support of declination. Government declined intervention and action dismissed.
    • Defended physician on 61 counts of federal health care fraud and violations of the Controlled Substances Act in the Northern District of Florida. Government dismissed all fraud counts prior to trial in response to pre-trial motions. Jury acquitted physician on all remaining counts.

    DOJ Actions

    • Defended executive branch official in sealed investigation and subsequent prosecution by the DOJ before the federal trial court and U.S. District Court of Appeals.
    • Negotiated pre-arraignment dismissal of federal charge for theft of government property.
    • Represented business owner accused of money laundering and wire fraud by DOJ. Negotiated and secured substantial departure from Guidelines recommendations.

    Government Contracts

    • Represented government contractor in False Claims Act litigation regarding defense manufacturing claims resulting in no charges for contractor.
    • Served as bid protest counsel to emergency fuel services company during bid protest of FDOT government contract, resulting in FDOT re-bid for client application.

     Financial and Securities Actions

    • Negotiated favorable Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) with FINRA’s Division of Enforcement for client accused of securities violations.
    • Litigated multiparty derivative action under Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. Resolved matter so clients retained control of all company assets, ownership and real property.

     Commercial Litigation

    • Litigated declaratory action concerning real estate contract for large-scale, mixed-use planned development project. Federal court granted summary judgment on all issues in favor of client.
    • Represented industrial pressure vessel manufacturer in multiparty products liability litigation in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, achieving a settlement for a fraction of the initial demands.
    • Defended industrial manufacturer of pipe coatings in multiparty litigation in federal district court. Secured favorable settlement after dispositive motions practice.

    Government Contracts

    • Represented government contractor in False Claims Act litigation regarding defense manufacturing claims resulting in no charges for contractor.
    • Served as bid protest counsel to emergency fuel services company during bid protest of FDOT government contract, resulting in FDOT re-bid for client application.

     Financial and Securities Actions

    • Negotiated favorable Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) with FINRA’s Division of Enforcement for client accused of securities violations.
    • Litigated multiparty derivative action under Florida Revised Limited Liability Company Act. Resolved matter so clients retained control of all company assets, ownership and real property.

     Commercial Litigation

    • Litigated declaratory action concerning real estate contract for large-scale, mixed-use planned development project. Federal court granted summary judgment on all issues in favor of client.
    • Represented industrial pressure vessel manufacturer in multiparty products liability litigation in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, achieving a settlement for a fraction of the initial demands.
    • Defended industrial manufacturer of pipe coatings in multiparty litigation in federal district court. Secured favorable settlement after dispositive motions practice.

    Insights

    • May 1, 2025

      It’s Official! Phelps and Beggs & Lane Have Combined…

    Recognition

    • Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Pensacola (2020)
    • Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary Club of Pensacola (2020)

    Education

    • Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2012
    • University of Virginia, B.A., Economics and Psychology, 2009
    • Emory University School of Law, J.D., 2012
    • University of Virginia, B.A., Economics and Psychology, 2009

    Credentials

    • Florida
    • District of Columbia
    • Maryland
    • Virginia
    • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    • Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. Theresa C. Buchanan, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia
    • Florida
    • District of Columbia
    • Maryland
    • Virginia
    • U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
    • U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    • Judicial Law Clerk for Hon. Theresa C. Buchanan, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

    Memberships and Affiliations

    Memberships & Affiliations

    • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    • Navy League of the United States, Pensacola Council – JAG
    • Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
    • American Inns of Court, Pensacola Chapter

    Memberships & Affiliations

    • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    • Navy League of the United States, Pensacola Council – JAG
    • Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
    • American Inns of Court, Pensacola Chapter
    • Overview
    • Experience
    • Insights
    • Recognition
    • Education
    • Credentials
    • Memberships and Affiliations

    Related Services

    • Litigation
    • White Collar Defense and Investigations
    • Government Relations and Public Policy
    • Commercial Litigation
    • False Claims Act
    • Health Care Litigation
    • Professional Liability
    • Banking and Financial Services
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