Maston J. Sansom is a Partner with Shenker Russo & Clark LLP, and has extensive experience negotiating complex matters with both state and local governments. Maston serves as a senior attorney in the firm’s thriving Alcohol Beverage Licensing and Hospitality Law Practice.
Maston works with restaurants, bars, hotels, caterers, airlines, liquor stores, manufacturers and other businesses on a broad array of alcohol law issues. He has guided businesses through the multifaceted liquor licensing process, providing clients with peace of mind and significant savings in time and money.
For over 20 years, Maston has navigated the intricacies of New York State government. During this time, he has been fortunate to work closely with public officials and staff at the highest levels.
Prior to becoming a Partner with the firm, Maston was the Vice President of Government Relations at the Food Industry Alliance – the only statewide trade organization advocating on behalf of all levels of the grocery industry. As the organization’s lead lobbyist, Maston represented over 800 member companies. In addition to drafting and helping to pass new legislation, his achievements include securing a budget appropriation for assistance with critical environmental compliance measures. Maston also served as Treasurer of the organization’s political action committee.
Maston also worked as the Director of Government Relations and Corporate Ethics at CMA Consulting Services, a leading IT company. There, he provided government relations support for the nation’s largest Medicaid Data Warehouse project totaling in excess of $159 million. In addition, Maston secured state grant funding of more than $100k to facilitate smart energy construction.
Maston began his career in the NYS Senate Majority Counsel’s Office, where he worked for almost nine years. As Assistant Counsel, Maston managed a portfolio of issues which included Alcoholic Beverage Control, Campaign Finance Reform, Elections, Transportation, Motor Vehicles, Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions. Maston negotiated major issues such as the Public Authorities Accountability Act of 2005, as well as a law allowing the direct shipment of wine. In addition, Maston provided Senate leadership with analysis and recommendations on nearly 250 pieces of legislation each year.
Admissions
- Bar
- New York
Memberships & Affiliations
- New York State Bar Association
- Board of Directors, Nelson A. Rockefeller Performing Arts Center (“The Egg”)
- Former Senate High-Speed Rail Task Force Member
Education
- Albany Law School, J.D.
- University of Albany; Major: History; Minor: Economics