Matthew R. Plain

Matthew R. Plain is a co-managing partner at Barton Gilman LLP in Providence, RI, with a practice focused on education law, employment law, and institutional compliance. Plain counsels schools and organizations on personnel matters, investigations, policies, and contractual obligations. The issues often call for close evaluation of the governing rules, the relevant records, and the positions of those involved.

Plain completed a J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law, an M.Ed. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This background supports the careful legal analysis needed in matters involving education law, employment law, and institutional compliance. Academic training provides a basis for interpreting legal requirements and working through issues in a structured way.

Plain has experience involving school investigations, employment concerns, education-related contracts, and compliance questions. Such assignments require careful attention to the details of the record and the legal framework governing the work. Depending on the circumstances, the attorney may need to evaluate documentation, prepare agreements or arguments, confer with other participants, or address procedural deadlines. Experience with these matters helps connect the immediate legal questions to the broader circumstances in which they arise.

Matthew R. Plain is also associated with his combination of legal and education training and leadership in matters affecting schools. Plain brings that experience to the analysis of legal issues and the preparation needed to address them. The practice places importance on understanding a client’s situation rather than treating similar-looking matters as identical. Careful assessment of facts, legal requirements, and options helps define a clear path through a transaction, claim, or dispute. This practical focus shapes the attorney’s continuing work.

Law Office Affiliations

• Managing Partner, Barton Gilman LLP
• Member, Rhode Island Bar Association
• Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
• Member, Connecticut Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Editorial Board, Rhode Island Bar Journal
• Member, Education Law Association
• Advisory Board, Roger Williams University School of Education
• Community Advisory Board, United Way of Rhode Island (2012-2018)
• Board Member, Avenger Football Alumni Association (2003 – Present)
• Board Member, Fund for Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program (UCAP) (2011-2014)
• Advisory Board, Roger Williams University Pro Bono Collaborative (2008-2014)
• Board Member, Blackstone Academy Charter School (2007)
• Member, East Greenwich School Committee (2016)

Licensed State

• Rhode Island
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• New York

Education

• Roger Williams University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
  Master of Education (MEd)
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges