Premier boutique law firm representing companies operating California’s cannabis industry seeks a full time talented associate attorney with a minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate law to join our team and grow with the firm. This role will be a key member of the legal team, advising cannabis industry clients on regulatory matters and licensing, real estate, corporate governance, acquisitions and other general business matters, working daily and collaboratively with our clients to find solutions, opportunities and mitigate risk. The is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of this expanding area of cannabis law with meaning full involvement and partnership potential.
POSITION:
The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge and a minimum of 5 years of legal experience in corporate transactional work. The candidate should have knowledge and significant experience in general corporate law including the ability to quickly and effectively perform at an advanced level regarding corporate governance, complex corporate transactions and general business law. Additional experience regarding real estate, land use, regulatory or municipal law and “big law firm” experience is preferred. The associate position will be responsible for assisting our cannabis clients with local and state cannabis regulations and compliance, general corporate and corporate compliance issues, mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, various commercial agreements, property acquisition and entitlements, lease negotiations, obtaining land use and local municipal and California licensing approvals, and assisting clients with all levels of regulatory compliance in this constantly evolving highly regulated industry. The firm will provide training, support and direction but successful candidates must be independently motivated and highly organized. Specific duties include:
- Develops and maintains expertise of California's local and state cannabis laws, including the Medicinal Adult Use Cannabis Regulatory and Safety Act (“MAUCRSA”).
- Prepares, negotiates and manages mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and various commercial agreements ensuring the clients full legal rights and compliance with all applicable local and state cannabis regulations and corporate law.
- Provide clients with effective risk management techniques and offer proactive advice and options to clients to help clients manage risk and client seize opportunity.
- Researches and analyzes law sources such as municipal, state and federal laws and regulations regarding cannabis, land use, real estate and general corporate matters.
- Provide accurate and timely counsel to clients on a variety of legal topics (corporate matters, labor law, corporate finance, etc.).
- Communicate and negotiate with external parties (regulators, municipal staff, state agencies, etc.), creating relations of trust.
- Advise and coordinate with clients and industry experts to identify and resolve general legal and business issues and issues specifically relating to local and state cannabis regulations and compliance.
- Provide oversight and advise clients regarding regulatory and other legal compliance matters relating to the cannabis industry, and corporate compliance.
- Advise cannabis clients regarding corporate governance policies, general employment issues, standard operating procedures and regularly monitors and assists clients on such issues, working with specialized counsel when needed.
- Coordinates, prepares, and submit cannabis license applications on behalf of clients for local and state licensing.
REQUIREMENTS:
This position is for you if you have the following:
Professional Skills:
- 5+ years of proven substantive corporate and transactional legal experience, with prior “big law firm” experience preferred
- Juris Doctor from an accredited law school with preference given to candidates from Top Tier institutions
- Member of the State Bar of California in good standing
- Prior cannabis law, regulatory compliance, land use, real estate, and/or municipal law experience is a plus
- Excellent communication, negotiation and writing skills
- Experience and knowledge in risk management and evaluation
- Professional demeanor
- Comfortable with heavy client interaction and occasional public speaking at various regulatory bodies
- Deadline driven with a strong work ethic
- Have sound business judgement and commercial acumen
- Pursues networking and marketing opportunities on behalf of Firm
Personal Skills:
- Ability to communicate complex legal and technical information to a non-legal non-technical audience
- Thrive in a challenging and high-performance environment
- Are a "people person" who values interpersonal relationships
- Can effectively manage several priorities and meet multiple tight deadlines
- Can anticipate needs and willing to help as needed
- Have a demonstrated interest in being part of an entrepreneurial culture and are highly effective in working with senior and executive management, outside experts and public official
- Embrace the challenge of a high growth environment
- Enjoy autonomy
- Culturally competent, with demonstrated leadership skills
Required education:
Job Location:
- Woodland Hills, California. Some day and overnight travel within California will occasionally be required.
Required license or certification:
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team, however only those whose skills and qualifications closely match the requirements of this position will be contacted.
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies or fee-based recruitment services.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience.
Job Type: Contract
Experience:
Education: