Business Law - Finance 301: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Litigation When Your Client’s Cannabis Business Investment Goes Up In Smoke
The legal cannabis industry is expanding rapidly worldwide. In North America alone, the industry is expected to grow to $50 billion by the end of the decade. But where there is smoke, there is fire. Class action lawsuits against cannabis companies are on the rise, driven by this industry growth, regulatory concerns, and stock price volatility, and publicly traded companies are not alone. Private companies face unhappy or disillusioned investors as well, who often did not understand for what they signed up when joining the “Green Rush.” This panel of seasoned litigators will discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of cannabis finance and investment litigation.
Jeffrey F. Barr is a partner in the firm’s Corporate Services practice group with more than 20 years of eclectic legal experience. While Jeff focuses his practice on counseling clients in the marijuana and hemp industries with respect to business transactions, commercial litigation, real estate, crisis management, and government relations, he also has experience with municipal law and has handled civil rights matters for his clients. Jeff has litigated corporate disputes, contract issues, and comprehensive regulatory controversies in the Nevada cannabis industry. He has counseled marijuana clients in connection with choosing proposed facility sites; helped clients understand and secure zoning and land use approvals; negotiated and drafted cannabis asset/equity purchase contracts, management agreements, employment agreements, commercial financing contracts, licensing agreements, and leases; and managed government affairs on behalf of marijuana clients. Jeff also handles appeals before the Supreme Court of Nevada and the Ninth Circuit for clients in all industries.
Jennifer Cabrera is counsel in the firm’s New York and New Jersey offices, where she focuses on licensing and regulatory matters. Her clients include existing medical operators in both New York and New Jersey, as well as businesses and individuals seeking new adult-use and medical licenses. She prepares state and local licensing applications in both states. Jennifer works with Vicente Sederberg’s National Licensing Team and has served as lead attorney on competitive applications in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. A native of Newark, New Jersey, Jennifer manages the firm’s New Jersey office and is actively involved in promoting and working with small and locally-owned businesses across the region.
Prior to joining Vicente Sederberg in 2019, Jennifer’s practice focused on commercial litigation and arbitration. She began her legal career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, representing clients in complex commercial disputes, and later managed a boutique law firm, which gave her a crucial perspective on the experience of business owners.
Jennifer holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin, Harvard Law School, and the University of Cambridge. She previously served as adjunct faculty at the law schools of Duke, Fordham, and St. John’s. She is a member of the board of the National Hispanic Cannabis Council and the Harvard Club of New York City.