Martín Montes is an accomplished lawyer and business executive with three decades of experience helping clients navigate legal, regulatory, economic development and government relations strategies globally. He has managed cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams to achieve client success across a diverse and complex international, federal, state, and local legislative and regulatory landscape.  

Martín leads the Chicago office Government Services and Finance team and is a member of the firm’s Federal Relations lobbying practice group. He is a trusted adviser to a range of industries, including energy, utility, retail, data centers, technology, manufacturing, higher education and healthcare. As advancements in emerging technologies — such as quantum computing and AI — intersect with regulatory and economic development policies, Martín helps clients navigate compliance requirements and strategic opportunities at the federal, state, and international levels.

As a member of the firm’s Mexico and Latin America legal services team, Martín counsels clients doing business in the U.S., Mexico and Latin America, advising on limiting risks and exposure while facilitating a smooth transition across their international operations.

Drawing upon his years serving as vice president and director of regulatory affairs with Commonwealth Edison and as associate general counsel with both Exelon Corporation and Walmart Stores, Inc., Martín provides insightful strategic guidance and advice to firm clients. In those roles, he managed teams across many areas, facilitating a focus on client service as they conducted business in a highly regulated environment. 

Martín is known for cultivating long-standing relationships and his extensive public and community engagement. A first-generation Mexican-American raised by his two immigrant parents, Martín is passionate about community outreach, services, and programming, as well as advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion within and beyond his legal practice.

 
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I approach each challenge from both sides: as a lawyer who knows the complexities of laws and regulations and an executive who's successfully maneuvered through them to deliver strategic change.”
Credentials

Education

  • Indiana University Maurer School of Law, J.D., 1995
  • University of Illinois, B.S., finance, 1992

Bar Admissions

  • Illinois

Clerkships

  • HonorableJoan B. Gottschall, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
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