Jim Boland is a founder and partner with Holon Law Partners, LLP. He is an attorney with extensive experience providing strategic advice to clients in the highly-regulated cannabis space. Mr. Boland is at the forefront of the emerging cannabis industry, having started with a Chicago start-up in 2018, which grew into the largest vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States during his tenure. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Denver and his J.D. degree from DePaul University College of Law.
Shawn Hauser is a partner at Vicente LLP, where she co-chairs the firm's Hemp and Cannabinoids Department and Federal and International Law Group. She helps cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics businesses navigate the intersections between state and federal law and ensure compliance as laws evolve. Ms. Hauser's practice focuses on regulatory compliance, licensing, general business representation, policy reform and strategic guidance to best position businesses for success at the state, national, and international levels. With more than a decade of experience in cannabis law and policy, she is a go-to source for businesses, industry groups, governments, and reporters seeking opinions, analysis, and guidance. Ms. Hauser has presented on cannabis law and policy to many local, federal, and international agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and UK Parliament. Since directing Sensible Colorado's local government implementation team following the passage of Amendment 64, she remains active in policy work with local and state governments in Colorado and Texas as well as advocating for federal reforms. Ms. Hauser is passionate in supporting the development and implementation of cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics regulations that advance the industries responsibly and in support of public health. Active in the community, she currently serves on the Board of Directors of United States Cannabis Council, and previously served on boards of the International Cannabis Bar Association and on the steering committee of the American Hemp Campaign–a project of Vote Hemp–which was instrumental in legalizing hemp in Texas in 2019. Well-regarded in her field, Ms. Hauser has received many accolades. She was named one of the top cannabis lawyers in the United States Chambers and Partners and was recognized by her peers in The Best Lawyers in America® for her work in cannabis law. Additionally, Ms. Hauser has been listed in
5280 magazine's "Denver's Top Lawyers" list since 2015 and was included in
Denver Business Journal's "40 Under 40" in 2021. After attending law school at the University of Denver, she was an associate attorney at McAllister, Darnell & Gottlieb PC, one of the first marijuana-focused law firms in Colorado.
Benjamin P. Sheppard is an associate with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, where he works on matters involving liquor law, cannabis law, and litigation. He handles a range of liquor law concerns, from distribution and contract production agreements to management and license agreements. In the rapidly evolving realm of cannabis law, Mr. Sheppard stands out for his deep insights into the intricate balance between state-specific and federal regulations governing both hemp and cannabis. His ability to navigate the nuances of the Pennsylvania industrial hemp research law makes him a valued advisor for individuals and businesses navigating this multifaceted law. Clients frequently turn to Mr. Sheppard for guidance in crafting drug testing policies and gaining clarity on the legal intricacies surrounding cannabis and hemp. He has advised both Pennsylvania and New Jersey individuals on their state's respective cannabis and hemp laws. Throughout his career, Mr. Sheppard has been involved in various aspects of the litigation process. Mr. Sheppard has drafted complex memorandums of law in both federal and state court, handled discovery requests, and handled trials from start to finish. Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Mr. Sheppard served as a judicial law clerk in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. He also worked for the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project reviewing trial transcripts and drafting materials regarding the viability of innocence claims. Mr. Sheppard is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Law, where he was a member of the Public Contract Law Journal and was recognized with the GW Law Pro Bono Teal Award for completing over 50 hours of pro bono work during law school. He also graduated, summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh with his B.A. degree in history and political science.
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