7 June 2016
Usually we stay clear of editorial comments but we’d suggest that this is a smart move by the firm . It is also interesting to note that they chose Las Vegas over Portland or Seattle..saturated legal markets already perhaps?
We wonder if any of the Am Law 100 have noted this development and will be taking a closer look at their plans for a practice in either Denver or one of the bigger Californian cities
Biz Journals .com reports
A Florida-based law firm is opening offices in three cites, including Denver, that it says are central to the advancement of the billion dollar legalized marijuana industry.
The firm, GreenspoonMarder, said today that it would open offices in Denver, Las Vegas and San Diego with a specific focus on the legalized marijuana industry.
Rachel Gillette, who specializes in cannabis law, will head the new Denver office of… more
The firm, which has about 180 attorneys in 14 cities across the country, has built a national practice in highly regulated industries of healthcare, alcohol, firearms and tobacco. That makes the firm positioned to move into the area of regulated marijuana, the firm’s co-managing director said.
“Observing the marijuana industry, it’s an industry that is here to stay,” said Gerald Greenspoon, co-managing director of GreenspoonMarder.
Twenty-five states and Washington D.C. have laws legalizing marijuana in some form and four states have legalized recreational marijuana use, making it an estimated $5.4 billion industry, Greenspoon said.
“Of course, Colorado being at the forefront of this expanding market, it was only natural for us to pick Denver to open the first office,” Greenspoon said.
The firm is beginning its national cannabis practice group with one attorney in Denver, one in San Diego and three in Las Vegas. Rachel Gillette, shareholder in the firm, will head up the Denver office. In San Diego, Lance Rogers, shareholder, will head of that office. Both have experience in cannabis law and will together spearhead the firm’s cannabis law practice, Greenspoon said.
“Our firm plans to continue to extend our presence and open additional offices in states that are likely to play a key role in shaping the cannabis industry,” he said.
Gillette’s areas of practice include marijuana/cannabis business licensing and regulatory compliance, business law and transactions. She’s represented state and locally licensed marijuana and help businesses in Colorado since 2010.
“We were fortunate to meet and bring into the firm some exceptional attorneys in Denver and San Diego with experience in regulatory process for licensing in the marijuana industry,” Greenspoon said.
Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, despite being legal under Colorado state law.
“It does require us to be a little more alert,” he said. “The laws are contradictory and require a special expertise to navigate the conflict between the state and federal regulation.”
Greenspoon Marder http://www.gmlaw.com
Press Release in Full
Greenspoon Marder Announces National Expansion of its Regulated Industries Practice to Include Cannabis Law and Opening of Offices in Las Vegas, Denver and San Diego
Greenspoon Marder Announces National Expansion of its Regulated Industries Practice to Include Cannabis Law and Opening of Offices in Las Vegas, Denver and San Diego
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. – June 6, 2016 – The law firm of Greenspoon Marder is pleased to announce the opening of new offices in Las Vegas, Denver, and San Diego – three cities in regions that are central to the advancements, legalization and regulation of cannabis including medical marijuana, hemp, and Cannabidiol (CBD).
Greenspoon Marder maintains a national corporate practice in highly-regulated industries such as healthcare, alcohol, firearms and tobacco, which positions the firm to expand these existing practice areas to include a national Cannabis Law practice focused on representing investors, private equity funds, public companies, health care providers, growers, processors and retailers navigate complex and evolving regulations governing the cannabis sector. The Firm also intends to implement a rigorous compliance program for its clients, including educational and safety initiatives which are necessary as the industry matures.
Greenspoon Marder’s substantial expertise in representing clients in regulated industries will allow it to be one of the first firms of its size with a dedicated team of attorneys servicing the $5.4 billion legalized, medicinal cannabis market. Twenty-five states and Washington, D.C. have currently legalized cannabis and medical marijuana in some form, and several states have cannabis bills pending legislative approval.
“We recognize the evolving needs of the cannabis business community and aim to service clients on a national level,” commented Gerald Greenspoon, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder. “Our firm plans to continue to extend our presence and open additional offices in states that are likely to play a key role in shaping the cannabis industry.”
As a cornerstone of Greenspoon Marder’s expansion, the firm welcomes five new attorneys; each will play a critical role in the growth of the new practice areas and new offices.
Rachel K. Gillette joined the firm as a Shareholder and the founding member of the Denver office, and Lance Rogers has joined the firm as a Shareholder to found the San Diego office. As recognized authorities on cannabis law in the United States, Gillette and Rogers will spearhead the launch and growth of the firm’s Cannabis Law practice.
Gillette’s areas of practice include marijuana/cannabis business licensing and regulatory compliance, business law and transactions, contract drafting and review, civil litigation, corporate formation, and tax matters, including audit representation. Gillette has vast experience in the cannabis and hemp industries, having represented state and locally licensed marijuana and hemp businesses in Colorado since 2010.
Rogers handles a wide array of matters related to cannabis in both his litigation and corporate practices including civil rights, asset forfeiture, land use, business disputes and municipal zoning challenges. He has represented many of the country’s leading cannabis retailers, manufacturers and agriculture companies. Rogers obtained the first dispensary license in Southern California through the County of San Diego in 2011 and continues to assist clients in securing commercial cannabis licenses in San Diego and throughout California.
Additionally, the firm welcomes Phillip Silvestri, Neal Gidvani and Vincent Aiello to its new Las Vegas office. Silvestri and Gidvani represent creditors in complex default-related litigation, bankruptcy, and foreclosure matters, as well as work with state and local officials in representing clients in the cannabis sector and other highly regulated industries. Aiello’s practice encompasses business succession and asset protection planning, employment law, fiduciary litigation, and real and intellectual property development. Aiello also handles complex commercial real estate transactions, land development, land use, planning & zoning matters including time-share projects and multi-family residential acquisitions.
The attorneys will join current firm shareholder Amy Sances, a prominent member of the firm’s Resort & Hospitality Practice, in the new Las Vegas office. Together with Messrs. Silvestri, Gidvani and Aiello, Ms. Sances will work to expand the firm’s core capabilities in real estate, hospitality, gaming and alcohol beverage law into the West.
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Greenspoon Marder is committed to providing excellent client service through our cross- disciplinary, client-team approach. Our goal is to understand the challenges that our clients face, build collaborative relationships, and craft creative solutions designed and executed with long-term strategic goals in mind. Since our inception in 1981, Greenspoon Marder has become a full-service, Am Law 200 law firm with more than 180 attorneys. We serve Fortune 500, middle market public and private companies, start-ups, emerging businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs across Florida and the United States. For more information, visit www.gmlaw.com.
