Who is Matthew Martens?

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Ethics

Matthew Martens is a partner at WilmerHale, an international law firm, where he represents clients in high-stakes criminal and civil matters. Over his career he

  • Served as a law clerk for Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist at the U.S. Supreme Court
  • Worked as a federal prosecutor for 9 years
  • Practiced as a criminal defense attorney for 13 years
  • Lead the SEC’s Enforcement Division’s litigation program

Notable Cases and Expertise

Martens has handled a wide variety of criminal cases, including:

  • Securities fraud
  • Drug trafficking
  • Firearms violations
  • Child pornography
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Voter fraud
  • Public corruption

He has tried more than two dozen cases across the country as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. One of his most high-profile cases was serving as lead trial counsel for the SEC in the securities fraud trial against former Goldman Sachs trader Fabrice Tourre.

Academic and Writing Pursuits

In addition to his legal practice, Martens:

  • Teaches Legal Ethics at Duke Law School
  • Graduated first in his class from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1996
  • Holds a master’s degree in biblical studies from Dallas Theological Seminary
  • Is pursuing a Th.M. in theological ethics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
  • Has authored a book titled Reforming Criminal Justice: A Christian Proposal

Professional Recognition


Martens received recognition for his work, including:

  • The SEC’s prestigious Chairman’s Award for Excellence
    Praise from former SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro for his ability to present complex information clearly

Personal Life


Matthew Martens lives in northern Virginia with his wife of 30 years and their youngest son. He is a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, DC.

Brandon Blankenship
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