Dentons draws on its ‘deep knowledge’ of cannabis and hemp to advise industry-leading clients on corporate transactions, including M&A and debt financing. The team also provides ’proactive advice’ on litigation and regulatory compliance, covering cannabis regulations, FDA matters, IP, and tax. Other practices within the firm, including healthcare, banking and finance, antitrust, and corporate, also support this work. The ‘strong’ team is led by Chicago-based Eric Berlin, who focuses fully on the legal cannabis and hemp industries and has an extensive track record in deals, having represented financiers and service providers to the industry, as well as manufacturers, cultivators, and dispensary operators. Also in Chicago, Joanne Caceres is trusted for her deal structuring and regulatory compliance expertise, with experience securing licenses and contributing to legislation. The ’outstanding’ Kelly Fair in San Francisco, handles the full spectrum of work - from regulatory compliance to corporate governance and public policy. In Los Angeles, Lauren Estevez advises cannabis and hemp brands, investors, and ancillary businesses on regulatory and transactional matters, and has experience with the DEA program for cannabis research.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent client service, deep knowledge of cannabis and hemp, provide practical advice.’
‘Personalized service, proactive advice, and friendly/casual approach. I recommend Eric Berlin, Joanne Caceres, and Jacob Raver.’
‘They're best in class for cannabis. They have a really strong team and proven results.’
‘Kelly Fair is outstanding. Both as a person and professional, she's top-notch. She also cares about making a difference in policy. The rest of the team, like Eric Berlin and Joanne Caceres, are also excellent.’
'They have the ability to assemble highly effective teams from any discipline and in any region to solve just about any problem. It truly feels like a one-stop shop.'
'Eric Berlin has a one-of-a-kind knowledge set covering every facet of the industry at both the macro and micro levels. Jeff Zachman is one of the sharpest legal minds I’ve ever encountered. Sarah Trevino is one of the most creative tacticians I’ve ever worked with.'
Key clients
- Agrify Corporation
- Ajna Biosciences
- Altmore Capital
- Aventine Property Group, Inc.
- Avid Holdings
- Bright Green Corporation
- Botanical Sciences
- Canopy USA
- Canopy Growth Corporation
- Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance, Inc.
- Commonwealth Project
- Connected International Inc.
Work highlights
Represented Vireo Growth Inc. in the closing of a $120 million self-syndicated term loan and a $33 million second lien term loan that refinanced all of its existing senior secured debt and expanded its credit capacity.
Advising DeFloria, Inc. on a collaboration between Charlotte's Web, Inc., AJNA BioSciences PBC and British American Tobacco PLC (BAT).
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
Other key lawyers
Joanne Caceres; Kelly Fair; Lauren Estevez; Hannah King; Malina Dumas; Jacob Raver