This could make for a distinctive training contract experience
A US law firm that specialises in advising on cannabis law is looking to London as it gears up to expand internationally.
Colorado-based Hoban Law Group was founded in 2009 to provide legal advice to the US weed industry, which has surged since various American states began relaxing marijuana laws.
Describing itself as a “cannabusiness” law firm, Hoban Law has 34 lawyers who operate a “full service” practice across all areas of the cannabis industry, specialising in the industrial hemp, medical and adult use markets.
Having established a presence in “nearly every state where legalisation has occurred” in the US, Hoban Law is now casting its gaze overseas, with managing partner Robert Hoban telling the US legal press:
“We have accepted the challenge of being global cannabis industry leaders and experts and will work with strategic partners… to move the industry forward across six countries.”
According to The American Lawyer, “a firm spokeswoman singled out London as one city that would host a new outpost for Hoban Law”.
Hoban Law has not yet responded to Legal Cheek’s request for comment.
It’s not clear why Hoban Law has earmarked London, where you could still face a maximum of five years in prison for possessing cannabis, and a maximum of 14 years for supplying or producing the Class B drug. Indeed, as recently as July, the UK government declared that it will not legalise cannabis — in spite of the change in mood across the Atlantic.
Nevertheless, pressure is building on the UK to re-look at its drug laws amid calls from celebrities including Professor Green, Sir Richard Branson and Sting for a rule change.
Certainly, training at a cannabis law firm would offer a rather different experience to your standard TC. Would post-work drinks include bongs with the partners?