Lauren M. Estevez

When California's state law regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana went into effect on January 1, 2018, it opened the door to a new legal practice area.

Estevez, founder of LME Law PC, was one of the first attorneys to jump into the unexplored area of cannabis and CBD law for businesses.

Before founding her own law firm, Estevez practiced at a legal services company where she worked with very large companies.

"I got to understand how to navigate working with larger clients and also began to understand the business perspective and how to speak to clients," Estevez said. "I began to understand how the laws and regulations fit into the bigger business picture for them."

When many retail cannabis shops opened their doors as recreational marijuana was legalized, Estevez was part of a law firm team that earned 130 clients cannabis licenses. In October 2018, Estevez left to hang out her own shingle to start LME Law PC.

"I thought that I had a pretty unique perspective, having been a business person before practicing law and being familiar with the cannabis laws since their inception," Estevez said. "I thought that I had the opportunity and I've always had an entrepreneurial streak, so I started my own practice."

Part of her practice includes advising clients after their licenses are received to help them stay compliant as laws and regulations evolve.

"Being a lawyer in this field is never boring because the regulations are constantly changing," Estevez said. "Every time there's a new law in the California Assembly or Senate, I have to advise my clients on what the new law is, how it impacts their business and what we do and don't know."

Estevez also advises financial service providers and investors on the risks of investing in cannabis and as well as other factors specific to this industry.

Working in the cannabis sector, Estevez said, has given her a "great opportunity" as a young attorney.

"It was a great opportunity for me as a young lawyer because the regulations are literally still being written in some cases," Estevez said. "So, if you've been practicing for two or three years, you're as up to speed on them as someone who's been practicing law for ten years because they just came out."

As more and more states consider legalizing marijuana, attorneys in those areas are looking to experts in California to set precedent, Estevez said.

"It's been very helpful to be at the forefront and be able to advise other attorneys and jurisdictions what it looks like a year or two years later," Estevez said. "It's really exciting to be an attorney in this new industry, be able to shape the future of this industry and see what it's going to look like in 10 years."

-- Alexandra Applegate