Experience
Assisted Multiple Clients in Missouri Medical Marijuana Application, Licensure Process
Assisted multiple clients in drafting and submitting numerous applications for medical marijuana facility licenses to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Counseled 15+ Clients in Missouri Medical Marijuana Application, Licensure Process
Advised and assisted over 15 other companies filing medical marijuana license applications, including assistance with rule interpretations and analysis of Missouri’s complex application materials.
Outside Corporate Counsel to Industry Trade Association
Assisted in the organization of MoCannTrade, Missouri’s leading industry trade association, and continues to serve as its outside corporate counsel.
Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Multi-State Marijuana Cultivation Business
Advised and assisted client with documenting a multimillion-dollar investment in a multi-state marijuana cultivation business.
Significant Victory in Multimillion-Dollar National Class Action for Men’s Retailer
Secured a significant victory for a men’s clothing retailer on a motion for summary judgment in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. The plaintiffs alleged that certain sales promotions were deceptive and sought certification of a California class, potentially exposing our client to hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The Court dismissed the lawsuit finding that plaintiffs could not establish that the marketing campaign caused them damage. Earlier, the Court had dismissed requests to certify a nationwide class and a Maryland subclass for similar reasons.
Dismissal in Consumer Class Action Lawsuit for Sporting Goods Retailer
Secured the dismissal of a consumer protection and class action lawsuit against a major sporting goods and outdoor equipment retailer filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The matter specifically involved claims of alleged violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act, unjust enrichment, and violation of consumer protection laws in 21 other states. The plaintiff sought to represent a nationwide class of customers seeking millions of dollars in damages for alleged violations of various states consumer protection statutes. The court granted the client’s motion to dismiss, and the plaintiff did not appeal or seek leave to amend.
Successful Licensure for Client in Illinois Medical Marijuana Industry
Assisted our client in preparing detailed applications for licenses to grow and dispense medical marijuana in an intensely competitive process under Illinois’s 2014 Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. Over 370 applications were filed in Illinois for just 81 licenses. Our client won a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in suburban Chicago.
Successful Licensure for Missouri Client to Operate Vertically Integrated Hemp CBD Oil Production Facility
Assisted our client in preparing a competitive license application that received one of only two licenses issued after Missouri passed laws in 2014 that created a commercial CBD oil industry to treat registered patients with intractable epilepsy.
Managed Consumer Class Action Lawsuits for Major Men's Retailer
Managed multiple consumer class action lawsuits for major men’s retailer. Obtained a dismissal of one lawsuit, and have motions to dismiss pending on two additional lawsuits.
Secured Voluntary Dismissal of Consumer Class Action Against Major Clothing Retailer
Secured the voluntary dismissal of a consumer class action filed against a major clothing retailer in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The plaintiff alleged that our client’s sales promotions violated New Jersey consumer regulations governing advertisements, potentially exposing our client to liability for millions of dollars in statutory damages. After an appellate decision in another case confirmed the strength of our motion to dismiss arguments, the plaintiff chose to voluntarily dismiss the lawsuit.
$1.8 Billion Sale of International Men's Apparel Manufacturer, Retailer
Managed the $1.8 billion sale of publicly traded company specializing in the international manufacturing and sales of men's apparel.
$825 Million Acquisition of Clothing Manufacturer, Retailer
Managed the $825 million acquisition of a manufacturer and retailer of men's and women's active and outdoor outerwear for publicly traded company.
Handled Acquisition of $2.3 Billion Menswear Retailer and Subsequent Litigation
Defended clothing retailer against multiple lawsuits associated with the $2.3 billion acquisition of a publicly traded clothing retailer.
Summary Judgment for Defense Company Directors in Class Action Suit
Obtained summary judgment for multiple directors of the board of a publicly traded national defense company against former shareholders' putative class action claims, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and seeking millions in damages. The clients successfully moved to dismiss the case, and the Missouri Supreme Court affirmed the judgment.
Favorable Resolution in Dispute Between Medical Marijuana Dispensary Owners
Assisted a client in resolving a closely held corporate dispute between owners and officers of a medical marijuana dispensary. We thwarted another owner’s efforts to appropriate our client's ownership interest and breach his management and consulting agreement, then negotiated a favorable resolution.
Favorable Resolution in Breach of Contract Suit
Represented an ambulance service provider who had an exclusive contract to provide services for an entire county. When the county government attempted to breach the client's contract, we filed a lawsuit to protect the client's rights and negotiate a favorable resolution.
Summary Judgments Affirmed on Appeal for Conference Center
Defended a conference and resort center's amendments to its governing documents from multiple lawsuits filed by a religious association. The religious association claimed that the amendments unlawfully eliminated alleged enforceable contractual and statutory rights in the original documents. The client prevailed on summary judgment in two different jurisdictions, and each judgment was unanimously affirmed on appeal.
Obtained Dismissal of Consumer Class Action for Retailer in Illinois
Obtained a dismissal of putative consumer class action alleging deceptive advertising in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The Court granted the client’s motion to dismiss, and when the plaintiff sought appellate review, the Seventh Circuit unanimously affirmed.
Obtained Dismissal of Consumer Class Action for Clothing Retailer
Obtained a dismissal of putative consumer class action alleging deceptive advertising in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. The plaintiff claimed the retailer's advertisements were misleading because the products were not sold at the advertised regular prices often enough. The Court dismissed the case because the complaint alleged no facts showing that the plaintiff suffered any damages.
