To the Extent That..‪.‬ ABA Business Law Section

Host Gary J. Ross discusses cannabis law with Hillary Bricken, Partner at Husch Blackwell. Hillary’s experience in cannabis law dates back to 2010 in Seattle when she was advising clients looking to take advantage of the dismantling of state laws against commercial cannabis activity. Hillary talks about cannabis regulation and enforcement at the state level and implications for both entrepreneurs launching cannabis-related businesses and investors in those businesses. Among other topics, Gary and Hillary also discuss banking issues and Canadian cannabis stocks trading on the OTC markets in the U.S. Thanks for a highly enlightening talk, Hillary!

In this episode we have two guests from the most senior ranks of the Royal Air force, Air Marshals Philip Osborn and Edward Stringer. Both men joined the UK’s Royal Air Force in 1982. Air Marshal Stringer served 36 years until 2018; and Air Marshal Obsorn served 37 years until 2019.

Intelligence has always been about dredging through vast pools of dull bureaucratic documents, seeking illuminating insights. In this episode we will explore military thinking about how to responsibly use AI. One of our guests has said, “data is the new oil,” and expresses concern about the tainting of our data by our adversaries. We discuss with our guests the Royal Air Force’s use of AI in intelligence and operations.

Host Gary J. Ross discusses Business Development Companies (BDCs) with John Mahon, Partner at Proskauer Rose LLP. John began his career working at the SEC, and since then has devoted his practice to BDCs and registered funds. John explains how BDCs are a hybrid between a standard investment fund and a traditional finance company. Among the topics covered are congressional requirements for BDCs since their creation in 1980; the growth from four BDCs in the 1980s to a burst of them over the past twenty years; fee structures for BDCs; and their prominence in the venture lending space. Thanks for an informative talk, John!

Subchapter V has broad applicability and has been used by a wide variety of businesses and individuals since being enacted. There are, however, key limitations to who can seek to reorganize in Subchapter V and the benefits Subchapter V is capable of providing. In this episode, podcast host Mac VerStandig is joined by David Mawhinney to discuss some of those limitations.

In this episode of Path to the Bench, Chancellor Anne Martin, of Tennessee, speaks about her path to the Bench, finding fulfillment in the law, and the role of a judge. Chancellor Martin also discusses the importance of mentorship and paying it forward in one’s career.

Host Gary J. Ross talks with Curtis Mo, partner at DLA Piper and a leading Silicon Valley corporate and securities lawyer. Gary and Curtis discuss venture-backed startups and the issues that arise in IPOs vis-à-vis acquisitions. Curtis provides insights as to how companies interact with investment banks in the time leading up to an IPO, and why underwriters tend to price companies more favorably when those companies are venture-backed. Gary and Curtis also share thoughts on valuations and the “IPO ratchet”, due diligence, SPACs, reporting requirements, and the JOBS Act.