What subjects did you mainly study while attending UC Santa Barbara? How did your studies there eventually prepare you for co-running your own law practice? 

I majored in Business Economics with an emphasis on Accounting. Most of my upper-division coursework was accounting-focused, which gave me a strong financial foundation. Initially, I thought I might pursue a career in accounting, but after a summer internship at Geragos & Geragos in Los Angeles, I realized law was where I wanted to be. That business and accounting background has been invaluable in running a law firm and advising clients in highly regulated industries, where financial discipline and operational structure are just as important as legal strategy.

Why did you decide to attend the University of San Diego School of Law, and what fields of law did you mainly study while enrolled there? 

My primary focus was business law. I chose USD because it was an excellent fit — a beautiful campus right by the beach and a program with a strong practical approach. The law school emphasized real-world application through clinics and hands-on courses, which helped me develop practical skills early on that I still rely on today.

Before founding Bianchi & Brandt, what fields of law did you primarily practice in? Even if those specialties weren’t related to cannabis law, what were the most valuable lessons in being an attorney that those first few years taught you?

I cut my teeth in litigation representing insurance companies in plaintiff subrogation. It gave me the opportunity to manage my own caseload early and learn the mechanics of litigation in real time. I was fortunate to have a great mentor who modeled professionalism and client service. Those early years taught me how to think strategically, communicate effectively, and balance the demands of multiple cases at once.

What were the defining moments that inspired you to want to co-found your own law firm? And from a professional and legal standpoint, what strengths and experience do you and Laura Bianchi have in common?

The defining moment was realizing that cannabis and other emerging industries needed specialized, business-minded legal support at a time when very few attorneys were willing to provide it. When we first started practicing in the cannabis industry many lawyers and firms wouldn’t represent those clients because of the federal illegality of marijuana, whereas today you see large national firms openly advertise cannabis practice groups. Laura and I recognized that gap and saw the need for lawyers who not only understood the law, but also the business realities of operating in a highly regulated and stigmatized space.

We also share the same values and a deep commitment to client service. From the beginning, we built the firm with a clear philosophy: we are not a bus, and we don’t take on every client who walks through the door. We have a strict “no-asshole policy,” which means we’re selective about the relationships we build and only represent clients who align with our values. That approach has allowed us to create meaningful, long-term partnerships with clients, where we can provide both excellent legal counsel and practical business guidance.

What are the most common issues or reasons that Arizona cannabis business owners and operators have to hire Bianchi & Brandt for? 

We help clients navigate the intersection of regulation and business. That often includes structuring transactions, negotiating partnerships, handling licensing and compliance, and resolving disputes. In Arizona, where the cannabis market is competitive and highly regulated, clients rely on us to guide them through both the day-to-day operational challenges and the big-picture strategic decisions that shape their success.

Because you’re also licensed to practice in California, how would you say the legal needs and issues of California cannabis business owners and operators differ from those of their counterparts in Arizona? Do the extensive problems facing the California industry change the reasons that your clients hire Bianchi & Brandt to begin with?          

The California market is larger and more mature but has its own significant challenges. Arizona’s market is more streamlined, but no less competitive. California clients often come to us for help stabilizing or restructuring their businesses in light of those challenges, whereas Arizona clients are more often focused on scaling efficiently within a less complex statewide framework.

What’s important to remember is that every cannabis market has its own challenges. No two are the same, and each state’s regulatory program comes with its own quirks, complexities, and pain points. Those differences directly shape the legal and business needs of operators. That’s why clients turn to us: because we understand those nuances and can provide tailored guidance that works within each unique regulatory framework.

Even though you’ve been an established lawyer in cannabis for quite a few years now, how would you say that the Business of Cannabis certificate from the University of Arizona further helped you understand the Arizona cannabis industry and the needs of your clients? 

Pursuing the Business of Cannabis certificate was about gaining a deeper understanding of the operational side of the industry. I wanted to move beyond just the regulatory and legal framework and really learn more about the operational lifecycle from seed to sale, and the business decisions that drive day-to-day success. That perspective allows me to better connect with clients, anticipate their challenges, and provide guidance that is not only legally sound but also grounded in the realities of running a cannabis business.

When I combine that operational knowledge with my background in business economics and accounting, it gives me a holistic perspective. I can look at issues from multiple angles (legal, financial, and operational) and help clients balance compliance, profitability, and growth in a complex, highly regulated market. Ultimately, that makes me a stronger advocate and a better partner to my clients, because I’m not just offering legal advice in a vacuum; I’m tailoring solutions that align with how their businesses actually run and what success looks like for them.

What are the most noteworthy milestones and recognitions that you and Bianchi & Brandt have received? The list of publications that you’ve been featured in is quite extensive.

We’ve been fortunate to be recognized as leaders in the cannabis industry. One milestone we’re especially proud of is being ranked as the #1 Cannabis Law Firm in Arizona for 2025. On a personal level, I’ve also been honored as a Top 40 Under 40 by both the Phoenix Business Journal and Marijuana Venture, which was incredibly meaningful recognition of the work we’re doing in such a dynamic industry. Our attorneys and the firm have also been featured in national outlets such as Forbes, Marijuana Business Daily, and Cannabis Business Times, among many others.

While those honors are meaningful, what matters most to us is the trust our clients place in us to guide them through critical moments. Whether that’s a business-defining transaction, a regulatory hurdle, or a high-stakes dispute, that client trust is the recognition we value most.

How do you and the law firm in general plan on getting more involved in the laws surrounding psychedelics? What is the current legal status of psychedelics in Arizona, and are any reformative pieces of legislation being filed? 

Psychedelics are following a trajectory similar to cannabis, with growing medical and therapeutic interest. Right now in Arizona, psychedelics remain largely illegal, though there is increasing discussion about research and potential therapeutic use. We are actively tracking legislation and policy proposals, and we plan to bring the same combination of regulatory insight and business counsel that we’ve developed in cannabis to this emerging field. Our goal is to help clients position themselves responsibly and sustainably as the legal landscape evolves.

If cannabis were to be federally rescheduled to Schedule III, how would that change the operations of both you as an attorney and the operations of your clients as well? Do you think specific sectors of the industry would be impacted more than others? 

Rescheduling would be a major milestone. For clients, the most immediate benefit would be relief from the tax burdens of Section 280E, which could dramatically improve profitability and cash flow. It could also open up new opportunities for research, investment, and interstate commerce over time. For us attorneys, it would mean advising clients through a transition into a more normalized regulatory environment, while still navigating the complex interplay of state and federal laws. Operators would feel the financial relief most directly, but the entire industry would benefit from a more stable and sustainable legal framework.