Michael Cianchette

Chief Legal Counsel

A Maine native, Michael serves as the Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor for a number of issue areas, including taxation, military and veterans’ affairs, public safety, and state financing. Prior to joining the Administration, he worked for commercial real estate development and management firm in Portland.

He is a graduate of Suffolk University, earning dual Master of Business Administration/Juris Doctor degrees cum laude in just 3 years. Before returning to school, he worked for the Massachusetts State Legislature as a Policy Analyst on Health Care and Public Service issues. He is a 2006 graduate of Boston College with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science and a 2002 graduate of Cheverus High School, and remains active with the development and alumni offices of all three alma maters.

Michael proudly serves our nation as a warfare-qualified Reserve Officer in the United States Navy. He is admitted to practice before courts in Maine and Massachusetts. Additionally, he received the Clegg Award from the Maine Board of Bar Examiners for earning the highest score on the bar exam in his first attempt.

Michael resides in Cumberland with his wife Michelle.