California Cannabis Litigation

Aaron Pelley | Harris Sliwoski LLP

For over 17 years, Aaron Pelley has stood at the forefront of the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation. Aaron is a champion of emerging markets and an ardent advocate for cannabis industry entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors. He has crafted key cannabis legislation and established himself as a leading authority on cannabis law and practice.

Aaron is frequently recognized for his outstanding legal contributions, earning accolades such as Super Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyer from National Trial Lawyers, Top 200 Global Cannabis Lawyer and Top Cannabis Litigators. Aaron is committed to an integrous cannabis industry, which includes fostering equitable relationships among business partners, and championing those who lead the charge in this transformative industry.

Aaron is unafraid of change and has lived at the tip of the spear his entire career. He’ll greet any challenge you present to him with open arms.

Karen Albence | Harris Sliwoski LLP

Karen Albence is a seasoned litigator with a long track record of success in California and Hawaii state and federal courts.

Karen represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a broad range of corporate/business disputes. She regularly prosecutes and defends claims for breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, ownership disputes, company dissolutions, unfair competition, trade secret theft, and real estate litigation of all types. Karen also has longstanding expertise in handling cannabis industry claims, including unique issues like civil RICO, and product and premises liability.

Karen puts her clients’ interests above all. This starts with counseling business owners and investors at the outset of a dispute to preserve and maximize resolution leverage and, when necessary, it concludes with advocating strategically and relentlessly in open court, to get the best possible outcome in each case.

Kristin Westphal | Harris Sliwoski LLP
Kristin is a versatile litigator with a depth of legal experience gained from spending time in the trenches and taking cases to trial.

Always up for a challenge, Kristin has practiced as far south as Alabama and as far west as Hawaii. She now calls California home. Having represented both plaintiffs and defendants in corporate, business, construction, intellectual property and trademark litigation, she has a deep understanding of her clients’ legal needs and an uncanny ability to see around corners. As a creative problem solver and zealous advocate, Kristin is focused on obtaining the best possible outcome for each client.

When not pouring over a brief or outlining a deposition, Kristin can be found at the beach eating fish tacos, or watching water polo– her favorite Southern California sport.

I. Review the intricate interplay between state laws that legalize cannabis and the ongoing federal prohibition of cannabis and examine the inverse relationship with hemp | 3:30pm – 3:40pm

II. Explore the distinct challenges involved in litigating for cannabis companies and litigation with regulatory and licensing agencies | 3:40pm – 3:50pm

III. Explore the current case law in Federal courts enforceability of agreements in the face of federal illegality | 3:50pm – 4:00pm

IV. Examine the litigation in the M&A market | 4:00pm – 4:10pm

V. Examine the changes in non-compete agreements | 4:10pm – 4:20pm

VI. Analyze recent cases (litigation) to glean insights into best practices and strategies for avoiding becoming the subject of litigation | 4:20pm – 4:30pm