Frantz Ward is seeking an engaged, dynamic senior associate or partner to join its growing Cannabis Practice. Our Firm offers competitive compensation, a collaborative work environment, individual and group mentoring opportunities, client development training, and a firm culture that embraces community involvement and doing well by doing good. The attorney who fills this position will work closely with other members of the Cannabis Practice team to address clients' legal needs, including by advising clients in mergers and acquisitions and other contractual matters, assisting with day-to-day regulatory compliance issues, serving as a go-to resource for clients for cannabis policy inquiries, as well as representing clients in court, arbitration proceedings and before administrative agencies. S/he will conduct research and analyze factual and legal issues to properly advise clients, develop legal strategies, gather evidence, assist with the drafting of contractual agreements, and advise on a myriad of policy issues affecting the cannabis industry. To learn more about our Cannabis practice group, visit our homepage .Requirements
- Develop and implement strategies to protect the best interests of the firm's clients.
- Supervise junior-level attorneys in the course of client representation
- Educate clients on potential claims and other business risks affecting the industry.
- Negotiate with outside parties on issues and legal disputes, including regular and direct negotiation and interaction with Ohio Department of Commerce and Ohio Board of Pharmacy counsel and staff.
- Research and analyze complex legal issues and writing briefs.
- Participate in client meetings.
- Communicate regularly with court and administrative agency personnel, clients and opposing counsel.
- Participate in discovery proceedings, including taking and defending depositions, brief writing, oral argument, and analysis.
- Assist with preparation of complex contractual agreements in a variety of transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, corporate structuring, supply agreements, intellectual property licensing agreements, etc.
- Represent clients in administrative enforcement actions as well as direct litigation against administrative agencies
- Analyze complex cannabis regulations to advise clients on a variety of compliance matters
Qualifications
- 5+ years of legal experience
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills;
- Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality;
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- Ability to deal courteously and effectively with others;
- Ability to effectively handle multiple projects and shifting responsibilities
- Ability to work in a demanding and fast-paced environment
- Expertise on cannabis industry-related matters, including 2+ years' experience representing clients in the cannabis industry, with a preference for experience interacting with counsel and other staff at the Ohio Department of Commerce and Ohio Board of Pharmacy
- Prior experience working with hemp clients preferred but not required
- Ability to advise clients on structuring mergers, acquisitions, and other transactions in a manner to comply with Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program laws and regulations
- Prior experience representing businesses in administrative enforcement actions and/or administrative licensing appeals, not necessarily limited to the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program, also preferred
- Prior experience working as lead counsel on legal matters, including supervision of other attorneys, strongly preferred
- J.D. from an accredited law school
- Outstanding academic credentials
- Active membership and good standing with the Ohio Bar or a willingness to become licensed to practice law in the State of Ohio
Equal Employment Opportunity is a fundamental principle at Frantz Ward. In keeping with this principle, Frantz Ward does not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. Frantz Ward LLP believes we provide a stronger and better place to work, think, and grow when we draw from the views of a diverse team. We strive to recruit, employ, and support individuals who contribute to our diversity. We recognize that achieving a truly diverse working environment is an on-going process, and we continue to foster diversity to ensure that everyone at Frantz Ward has a meaningful professional experience.