NACDL - National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Life Member Directory
Life members are attorneys who have made an extraordinary commitment to support the work of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. By supporting NACDL at the highest dues level, they are accorded a lifetime membership as long as they continue to meet the standards for NACDL membership. In addition, they are listed in this special expanded life member directory, including bio and photograph, and receive a special award in recognition of their support for NACDL’s work.
Co Chair, NACDL Ethics Comm.Director, LA, Natl. Organ. to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML), since 1973Recipient, 1999 Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year Award, Outstanding Contribution Appreciation Award, ACLU, Lawyer in the Classroom Award, Constitutional Rights FoundationAuthor, "The Margolin Guide to State and Fedl. Marijuana Laws"
Board Member, St. Louis Backstoppers (police & fireman's support)Lieutenant US Army, ArtilleryFormer FBI AgentRecipient, Distinguised Alumni Award, Washington Univ. Sch. of Law (2004)Recipient, St. Louis County Bar Assn. Distinguished Service Award (2006)Recipient, Award of Honor, St. Louis Lawyers Assn. (1991)Recipient, Honorary Order of Coif, Washington University School Of Law (1994)
Education
Undergraduate: Washington University of St. Louis, , 1956
Law School: Washington University School of Law, , 1958
Member, Fedl. CJA Lead Panel, E. Dist. of MOMember, Missouri Assn. of Criminal Defense LawyersFormer Member, Missouri Bar Criminal Law CommitteeMember, Fedl. CJA Panel Southern District Illinois2015,2016 Missouri Kansas Super LawyersMember ABA Criminal Justice SectionAV Rated Martindale Hubble
Attorney Matthew T. Marin is a dedicated Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer and founding partner of Marin & Murphy Law Firm. For more than fifteen years, he has represented individuals facing criminal charges across Rhode Island, combining aggressive advocacy with a compassionate understanding of the people he defends. Known for his courtroom skill, responsiveness, and commitment to client success, Attorney Marin has built his career on protecting the rights and reputations of those accused of crimes.
Attorney Marin represents clients in cases involving DUI and chemical test refusals, domestic violence, assault and battery, drug possession and distribution, larceny, disorderly conduct, and serious felony offenses. His experience spans every stage of the criminal process—from investigation and arraignment through trial, sentencing, and post-conviction relief. Whether defending a first-time offender or an individual facing life-changing felony allegations, Matthew brings the same level of preparation, determination, and respect to every case.
As a trial lawyer, Attorney Marin has successfully handled thousands of criminal cases before Rhode Island’s District, Superior, and Traffic Tribunal courts. He has achieved countless dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges through strategic negotiation and meticulous preparation. His in-depth knowledge of Rhode Island’s courts, prosecutors, and judges allows him to anticipate challenges and position his clients for the best possible results. Clients and peers alike describe him as a strong advocate who combines confidence in the courtroom with clear communication and sound judgment.
Beyond his courtroom success, Attorney Marin is known for his hands-on approach. He understands that being charged with a crime can be one of the most stressful experiences a person will ever face. For that reason, he ensures each client receives direct access to their attorney, not just to paralegals or staff. Matthew takes the time to explain every option, answer every question, and guide clients step-by-step through the legal process. His goal is not only to win cases but also to give clients peace of mind knowing that their rights and future are in capable hands.
Attorney Marin earned his Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law, where he developed a strong foundation in criminal law and trial advocacy. Since opening his practice, he has dedicated his career to defending the accused and upholding the constitutional principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Over the years, his firm has grown into one of Rhode Island’s most respected criminal defense practices, serving clients statewide from offices in Providence, Warwick, and Newport.
When he is not in the courtroom, Matthew remains active in the Rhode Island legal community, frequently consulting on criminal law developments and mentoring younger attorneys. His professionalism, experience, and unwavering commitment to justice have earned him the trust of thousands of clients and the respect of his peers.
Education
Undergraduate: Clark University, B.A., 2004
Graduate: University of Rhode Island, M.B.A., 2008
Law School: Roger Williams University School of Law, J.D., 2008
Board Member, Missouri Assn. Criminal Defense Lawyers (1986-88)Vice Chairman, Criminal Law Comm., Missouri Bar Assn.Chairman, Criminal Law Committee, Bar Assn. of Metropolitan St. Louis (2006-08)Recipient, Super Lawyers of Missouri and Kansas, (2006-2007)Recipient, Biography: Who's Who in American Law & Who's Who in America (1993-2015)
Education
Undergraduate: Washington Univ. St. Louis, MO, BA, 1954
Law School: Washington University, JD, 1963
Bar Information
8th Cir., Fedl. Dist. Cts., United States Tax Court, US Supreme Court
Oklahoma Bar Association Vice President (2010); Oklahoma County Bar Association President (2010-2011); President, Oklahoma City Chapter of the Federal Bar Assn. (1992-93); President, Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn. (1988); Fellow, American Board of Criminal Lawyers; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; Recipient, Lord Erskine Award for Career Achievement, OCDLA (2000); Oklahoma Bar Association Criminal Law Section Professional Advocate Award (2006)
Education
Undergraduate: Cameron University, Bachelor of Arts, 1976
Law School: Oklahoma City University, Juris Doctorate, 1978
Former Member, Board of Directors, NACDL Fellow, American Board of Criminal LawyersLecturer, Univ. of Florida Coll. of Law Annual WorkshopFlorida Bar and NBTA Board CertifiedPast President, Florida Assn. of Criminal Defense Lawyers (1997)Recipient, NACDL Robert C. Heeney Award (2004)
Education
Undergraduate: University of Florida, , 1968
Law School: University of Florida College of Law, 1970
Bar Information
5th, 11th Cirs., Trial Bars, Middle, Southern and Northern Dists., FL, US Supreme Ct.
Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial AdvocacyAuthor: "Defending Death Penalty Cases in Alabama" Ed. 2Author: "Defending Child Sex Abuse Cases in Alabama"Author: "The Defense of Not Guilty by Reason of Mental Disease or Defect in Alabama"Author: "Drug Crimes, Drug Searches & Drug Forfeitures in Alabama"
Sean McAllister is one of Colorado's leading marijuana lawyers. Sean is driven by a passion to ameliorate the injustice of the so called War on Drugs. He assisted in drafting Colorado's marijuana legalization law. After a decade of representing criminal defendants, he is now primarily a marijuana business lawyer. His Firm continues to handle serious felony and federal marijuana criminal defense matters. He is licensed in Colorado and expects to be licensed in California in 2016.
Education
Undergraduate: University of Georgia, B.A., 1995
Law School: University of Colorado School of Law, J.D, 1999
Trial Lawyer's Coll. (2000)Trial Lawyer's Coll. Graduate School (2002)State Delegate, National College for DUI DefenseRecipient, Thomas J. Clifford Most Outstanding Freshman Award, Univ. of North Dakota (1990)
Education
Undergraduate: University of North Dakota, B.S.P.A., 1992
Law School: University of North Dakota Law School, J.D., 1995
Life Member of NACDL, Life Member and founding member of Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, Member of Minnesota Asso. of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have tried more cases to Jury Verdict than any other private Lawyer in Minnesota and I have more Appeals to the Appellate Courts of MN. than any other private attorney. Eg: Judges cannot order that bail be posted in Cash only; Prosecutors cannot certify a Misdemeanor as a Petty Misdemeanor, over the objection of the Defendant, in order to take away a Defendant's right to a Jury Trial; Judge cannot use high bail in order to force a defendant to accept a Conditional Release; A DNR police officer cannot enter a person's Ice Fishing house without a Warrant or a recognized exception to the Warrant requirement of the 4th Amendment. Finally, I once got a directed verdict of acquittal in a First Degree Murder case and, in one County, I won 12 DWI Jury Verdicts in a row before I lost in my first, apparently unlucky 13th Jury Trial, in that jurisdiction.Â
Education
Undergraduate: University of Minnesota, , 1968, Bus. Admin/Econ.
Law School: William Mitchell College of Law, 1977, JD
Lorna S. McClusky is a Senior partner and the managing partner in the law firm of Massey, McClusky, McClusky & Fuchs in Memphis, engaging exclusively in criminal practice. She is the Dean of The Tennessee Criminal Defense College which teaches effective trial advocacy at a week long program each year.
Her involvement with local and state bar associations includes membership in the Memphis Bar Association, a Fellow of the Memphis Bar Foundation, a life member of TACDL and Past President of TACDL. She is a life member of the NACDL and served on several committees. Lorna is Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and is on the Editorial Board of its publication, The Journal.
An experienced trial attorney, she has taught trial advocacy skills at CLE’s throughout the United States and in Guam.
Education
Undergraduate: Memphis State University, , 1991
Law School: Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law , 1994
Also Admitted: Northern District of West Virginia (1994)Southern District of West Virginia (1994)U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (2005)U.S. Supreme Court (2010)Listed, Super Lawyers (2012-2017)AV Preeminent, Martindale Hubbell peer rating
Education
Undergraduate: The American University, SPA, B.A., Poli Sci, 1989
Law School: West Virginia University College of Law, J.D., 1994
Director. Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.President, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Assn.Best Criminal Defense Attorney, "D" (Dallas) MagazineFirst in Dallas to negotiate a Federal prisoner exchange; Established right for Eyewitness Expert in the Fifth Circuit; First to obtain a protective order for a trade secrets case after a search warrant had been issuedCo-author, "Erisman's Reversible Errors in Texas Criminal Cases"
Education
Undergraduate: Princeton University, AB, 1970
Law School: St. Mary's University School of Law, JD, 1974
Former, Asst. Dist. Atty.,former DUI Special Prosecutor, former Asst. PDformer, Mock Trial Coach, Myrtle Beach H. S.former Member, Board of Directors, SCACDL former Member, former Board of Directors of Horry Co. Public Defender Corp.,former Chairman,Horry County Democratic Party,Current 15th Circuit Public Defender Selection Committee, former Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, former Chairman Small Business Council, current Member Legislative Policy Council
