Associate
Benjamin P. Sheppard is an associate in the Firm’s Allentown office, where he focuses on matters involving liquor law, cannabis law, and litigation.
Ben handles a broad range of liquor law concerns, including distribution and contract production agreements, management agreements, and liquor license transfers. He is particularly adept at handling federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey liquor manufacturer licenses. He advises clients on compliance with state and federal regulations, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the alcohol industry.
In the rapidly evolving realm of cannabis law, Ben stands out for his deep insights into the intricate balance between state-specific and federal regulations governing both hemp and cannabis. His ability to navigate the nuances of Pennsylvania’s industrial hemp research law makes him a valued advisor for individuals and businesses alike. Ben provides strategic counsel on crafting drug testing policies and understanding the legal intricacies of cannabis and hemp. He advises clients in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey on their states’ respective cannabis and hemp laws, offering clarity in this dynamic and multifaceted field.
Ben’s litigation practice is diverse and extensive, covering both state and federal matters. He has represented clients through all stages of the litigation process, from pre-trial discovery to trial, post-trial motions, and appeals. Ben has drafted complex memoranda of law, argued dispositive motions, and handled trials from start to finish. He has also briefed and argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Ben is adept at managing discovery, including complex document production and expert testimony. His practical experience in the courtroom and passion for writing and learning makes him a versatile litigator capable of handling high-stakes cases across multiple areas.
Ben was listed in Cannabis Law Report’s Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers 2024/25 compiled to include the top 200 cannabis practitioners & practices around the world via an annual survey of clients and lawyers in the cannabis legal services sector as well as Cannabis Law Journal’s personal editorial decisions based on their reporting of the industry on a daily basis for the past 8+ years.
Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Ben served as a judicial law clerk in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. He is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Law, where he was a member of the Public Contract Law Journal and earned the GW Law Pro Bono Teal Award for completing over 50 hours of pro bono work. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in history and political science.
Quoted, “Delta 8 caught in cloud of confusion,” Altoona Mirror, September 11, 2023
Published, “Missing the Mark: The Case for Removing Cannabis from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List,” 52 Cal. W. Int’l L.J. 587 (2022)
Published, “Contemplating Arbitration in Disputed Congressional Elections: A Case Study with the Closest Senate Election in U.S. History,” 20 U.N.H. L. Rev. 229 (2022)
Published, “The Ballot Is Stronger Than the Bullet: Alaska’s Superior Strict Scrutiny Approach to Ballot Access Laws,” 38 Alaska L. Rev. 183 (2021)
Published, “Carney v. Adams: Standing on Unaffiliated Voters’ Rights,” Geo. Wash. L. Rev. On the Docket (March 13, 2021)
Published, “Half-Baked: Remedying the Confusion Between State Medical Cannabis Protections and Federal Laws on Drug Testing for Federal Contractors,” 43 U. Haw. L. Rev. 231 (2020)
Published, “Going for the Green: Social Equity in the Recreational Cannabis Industry,” 8 Lincoln Mem’l UL Rev. 280 (2020)
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume you consent to our cookie policy. Learn more