Douglas Mains specializes in government relations and regulatory law, with a particular emphasis on providing strategic advice to clients regarding public policy, legislation, and regulatory issues. After serving as a Senior Policy Advisor and Deputy Legal Counsel to the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, Mr. Mains has extensive contacts throughout the Capitol and is particularly adept at helping clients positively interact with state agencies, elected officials, and executive and legislative staff. Moreover, Mr. Mains is also at the forefront of Michigan’s evolving medical marijuana law, and is frequently asked to speak on legislative and legal developments in that industry.

In his current role, Mr. Mains:

• Represents and advises individuals, entities, and trade associations involved in the medical marijuana industry;
• Drafts proposed legislation, ordinances, and ballot initiatives on a wide array of issues, including education, insurance, tax policy, and medical marijuana;
• Represents clients in various administrative matters before state regulatory bodies, including the Michigan Public Service Commission and Michigan Liquor Control Commission; and
• Regularly appears on behalf of clients before legislative bodies, including committees of the Michigan Legislature, the Detroit City Council, and the Lansing City Council.

In his past roles, Mr. Mains has:

• Helped to draft and advocate for the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, 2016 Public Act 281, which created a licensing and regulatory framework for medical marijuana businesses in Michigan;
• Drafted and advocated for 2016 Public Act 283, which remedied the effect of a Michigan Court of Appeals case and allowed Michigan medical marijuana patients to lawfully possess and use marijuana-infused products;
• Represented the Michigan House of Representatives, including several Representatives and House employees, in a $160 million federal lawsuit filed by a former legislator;
• Represented the State of Michigan in an application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of a law mandating employee contributions to the Michigan Public School Employee Retirement System;
• Represented the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality in employment matters and criminal investigations relating to lead contamination of the City of Flint water system;
• Represented the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the criminal trial of two former state representatives; and
• Served as election day legal counsel for a number of state and local candidates, and as counsel in several other electoral matters, including representing a presidential candidate in a statewide recount.