Former Massachusetts First Assistant AG Patrick Moore Joins WilmerHale in Boston

Former Massachusetts First Assistant AG Patrick Moore Joins WilmerHale in Boston

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Investigations, litigation and enforcement actions launched by state attorneys general are becoming increasingly commonplace, and present unique challenges that require a specific skillset to address.

WilmerHale is further deepening its Boston bench with the arrival of M. Patrick Moore Jr., adding a seasoned public-law and litigation leader with deep experience in government-facing litigation, state attorney general enforcement, crisis management, appellate advocacy, and Massachusetts-specific regulatory matters.

Moore joins WilmerHale from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, where he served as First Assistant Attorney General, the senior-most advisor to Attorney General Andrea Campbell. In that role, he helped oversee the legal, policy, and operational work of a 700-employee public law office, managed sensitive investigations and litigation, coordinated with other state attorneys general, and handled an active federal and state caseload at the trial and appellate levels.

His arrival further strengthens WilmerHale’s formidable ability to advise companies, institutions, and individuals navigating complex matters involving state civil enforcement, public scrutiny, government investigations, and high-stakes litigation. Moore’s practice will focus on commercial and government-facing litigation, crisis management, and regulatory matters, with particular relevance for clients in higher education, healthcare, life sciences, financial services, technology, and other sectors operating at the intersection of regulation, litigation risk, and public attention.

“We are delighted to welcome Pat to WilmerHale,” said Anjan Sahni, Managing Partner of WilmerHale. “He brings a rare combination of public service, litigation experience, and practical judgment that will enhance the counsel we provide to clients facing consequential legal and regulatory challenges. Pat’s perspective, credibility, and record of leadership make him an outstanding addition to the firm.”

“Pat’s exceptional public sector leadership, litigation judgment, and deep understanding of Massachusetts government will be an immediate asset to our clients who face regulatory inquiries and litigation in Massachusetts, as well as to our Boston office more broadly,” said Felicia Ellsworth, Partner-in-Charge of WilmerHale’s Boston office. “WilmerHale’s Boston roots date back more than a century, and we remain deeply committed to this market, its institutions, and its business community. Pat’s arrival reflects both our storied past in Boston and our continued investment in the people and capabilities that will carry that legacy forward.”

Before serving in the Attorney General’s Office, Moore was a partner in the litigation department of a prominent Boston-based law firm, where he chaired the firm’s Government Law Group and built a dynamic litigation, counseling, and public law practice. His representations included complex commercial, administrative, tax, land use, charities, and public law matters for clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to major universities, museums, and nonprofits. He has successfully advocated before the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in significant matters involving contract damages, healthcare facility siting, land use, and ballot initiatives.

Moore also has extensive experience advising public officials, campaigns, and political organizations. He served as Senior Advisor and Legal Counsel to the Harris for President campaign, Deputy General Counsel to the Biden for President campaign, General Counsel to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, Associate Counsel in the White House Counsel’s Office, and Deputy Counsel to Massachusetts Governors Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker.

A graduate of Boston College and Boston College Law School, Moore clerked for Judge Maryanne Trump Barry of the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Justice Robert J. Cordy of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. He has also taught at Boston College Law School, including courses on state constitutional law, government law, administrative law, and conflict of laws.

WilmerHale’s pre-merger predecessor Hale & Dorr was founded in Boston in 1918 and has maintained a defining presence in the city’s legal and business community for more than a century. From its Boston office, the firm serves clients across industries in their most consequential litigation, regulatory, enforcement, and transactional matters, pairing deep local roots with the reach of a global platform.

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