As more states legalize cannabis, Symphony Risk Solutions’ experienced professionals step up to tackle industry’s unique challenges
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. – Nov. 30, 2023 – Few industries face as many challenges as does the cannabis industry, despite state after state having legalized cannabis’ use in some form. Just this month, Ohio’s nod to recreational cannabis legalization made it the twenty-fourth state to embrace such measures, presenting a unique juncture of opportunity and risk. Recognizing the industry’s on-going demand for better management of cannabis business risk, Symphony Grow, the specialty business of Symphony Risk Solutions focused exclusively on the risk management and human capital needs of cannabis businesses continues to develop new, innovative initiatives to meet those needs.
Marking a significant expansion in the firm’s management of cannabis industry risk, Symphony has appointed Michael H. Sampson, a veteran in cannabis and insurance law, as Senior Director of Legal Affairs & Risk Management. In this role, Sampson will work closely with Symphony Grow, as well as provide legal counsel to Symphony’s senior leadership team and oversee claims management.
“Aligning with great people not only cultivates great ideas, but also becomes the cornerstone for progress, which is a must-have in an industry as unique and challenging as cannabis,” said Symphony Risk Solutions Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Marcon. “For years, Mike has been helping cannabis businesses and other clients solve complex problems, and we are delighted to welcome him to our Symphony. His careful legal analysis and sophisticated commercial judgment already play a crucial role in addressing the distinctive challenges inherent in this sector.”
Sampson joins Symphony from Leech Tishman Fuscaldo & Lampl, where he co-led the law firm’s Cannabis Industry Group and led the Insurance Coverage Group. Previously, Sampson was a partner at Reed Smith LLP, a member of that firm’s Insurance Recovery Group, and the Co-Vice Chair of the firm’s Cannabis Law Team. Much of his legal practice was devoted to counseling cannabis-related clients about complicated insurance-coverage and risk-management concerns.
As an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Sampson also teaches “Cannabis and the Law,” a cutting-edge, multidisciplinary course he conceived, designed, and first taught in 2022.
“Symphony presents a compelling opportunity for me to continue to work in the cannabis industry, which faces legal and regulatory challenges like no other,” said Sampson, who commenced his role at Symphony in October. “The opportunity to build and lead a best-in-class claims team that can help all types of cannabis — and other — clients while working with the established and highly respected team at Symphony Grow is particularly appealing. Our shared goal, spanning Symphony’s diverse businesses, remains unwavering: to provide unrivaled client service.”
About Symphony Risk Solutions
Symphony Risk Solutions is the next-generation, full-service insurance, risk management and employee benefits consulting firm advising and serving the risk and human capital needs of middle market and “lower Fortune 500” businesses, private equity firms and alternative asset managers, corporate executives and high net worth families. Founded in 2020, the company is dedicated to delivering superior results to all involved, offering clients optimal exposure management and lower cost of risk; colleagues, meaningful and rewarding work; and partners, thoughtful and beneficial collaboration. Symphony Risk Solutions has a nationwide presence with offices in San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle. More information is available at https://www.symphonyrisk.com/
