Through following a ‘client-focused approach’, the multi-disciplinary Dentons team has extensive experience of handling multi-jurisdictional acquisitions and strategic investments on behalf of companies in the cannabis and hemp industries. Additionally, the practice is highly regarded for its drafting and negotiation of complex management and loan agreements, while on the contentious side, the outfit deploys specialists on managing trade mark opposition claims. Operating out of Chicago, Eric Berlin and Joanne Caceres each specialize in representing publicly traded companies involved in financing the cannabis industry, including vaporizer manufacturers, testing labs, and cultivators, along with regulatory compliance measures. Hannah King assists businesses in navigating federal and state cannabis laws from Portland, San Francisco’s Kelly Fair is knowledgeable in corporate transactions, and Amy Rubenstein predominantly focuses on the chemical, pharma, insurance sectors from Chicago. In Boston, Jacob Raver stands out for his expertise on gambling laws, whilst Jacob Styburski and Lauren Estevez are also highlighted as key.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Dentons US LLP stands out due to its unique combination of expertise, client-focused approach, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional results. What makes this practice truly unique is its ability to balance deep legal knowledge with innovative strategies tailored to each client's needs. This team prioritizes understanding the intricacies of every client's legal challenge and crafting personalized practical solutions.'
- 'Potential clients would want to know about the team's key strengths: a highly skilled group of attorneys with specialized knowledge across various practice areas, a reputation for integrity and excellence and an unwavering commitment to client success. The team's combines years of experience with a forward-thinking mindset, ensure they are not only experts in established legal principles but also adaptable to evolving laws and client demands. They differentiate themselves through a combination of collaboration and agility.’
‘They approach challenges not just as legal problems to solve but as opportunities to deliver strategic, meaningful solutions.'
- 'One key quality that distinguishes them is their adaptability and forward-thinking mindset. In a constantly evolving legal and business environment, they demonstrate an ability to stay ahead of the curve, leveraging their creativity and problem-solving skills to offer innovative approaches where others may default to conventional methods.'
- 'I value their transparency, honesty, and an unwavering ethical commitment, which fosters trust and long-term relationships with clients. I also value their ability to communicate complex legal issues in clear, accessible terms which makes them not only effective advocates but also reliable advisors.’
‘The value for money that Dentons provides is fantastic. They are always on top of my matters and always willing to schedule a meeting if needed or have a call at the last minute. They have excellent knowledge of the legal landscape and our company's needs.’
Key clients
- Ascend Wellness Corp.
- Aventine Property Group, Inc.
- Avid Holdings
- Ayr Wellness
- Bright Green Corporation
- Botanical Sciences
- Canopy USA
- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.
- Cresco Labs
- Devi Holdings Inc.
Work highlights
- Serves as external counsel and Corporate Secretary to Canopy USA, triggering acquisitions of Acreage Holdings and Wana Brands and closed the acquisition of Jetty Extracts in a series of complex transactions and pending regulatory approvals related to the close of the reorganization of Canopy Growth Corporation’s US cannabis assets, valued at US$250M, in Canopy USA, LLC.
- Served as lead counsel for helping Bright Green obtain its DEA registration as a bulk manufacturer of cannabis and other federal and state authorizations to grow, process, and sell cannabis and cannabis products and derivatives legally under all applicable laws.
- Provided counsel on state regulatory, structuring and public exchange considerations for SunStream’s acquisition of exchangeable shares in two newly formed entities, SunStream USA I and II (SunStream USA), which will become equity owners of US cannabis, companies Parallel and Skymint. SunStream Bancorp Inc.’s (SunStream) is a joint venture between Canadian LP SNDL, Inc and a private entity.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next generation partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Joanne Caceres
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Lauren Estevez
Practice head
Eric Berlin; Joanne Caceres; Hannah King; Kelly Fair
Other key lawyers
Amy Rubenstein; Jacob Raver; Jacob Styburski; Lauren Estevez; Margo Wilkinson Smith