Eric Alvarez, an Associate of the law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., has been named Chair of the firm’s Cannabis Law Industry Group.

“It is an honor to lead such a talented group of attorneys into the next chapter. Our goal is to successfully guide our clients through the ever-changing legal landscape by providing innovative, efficient, and top-shelf legal services,” said Alvarez.

About the Norris McLaughlin Cannabis Law Industry Group

Norris McLaughlin’s cannabis law attorneys provide a full range of legal and consultation services in all areas of cannabis law for employers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, suppliers, growers, retailers, and investors. This diverse group of attorneys navigates the complex and ever-changing laws and regulations governing the medical and recreational use of marijuana.

About Eric Alvarez

Alvarez advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to the production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”). He understands that every client’s situation is unique, as are the parties involved in it, and approaches each matter focused on achieving the best possible result based on his client’s individual objectives and goals.

Additionally, Alvarez concentrates on high-stakes, complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—in a wide range of litigation matters.

A resident of Somerset County, Alvarez is active in the local bar association and the Somerset County Business Partnership, where he serves on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Additionally, he is active in his local Somerville community, where he serves as an Alternate Member on the town’s Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin to better serve the companies and individuals in his local community, Alvarez worked at an Am Law 100 firm. He maximizes his “Big Law” experience and better serves his clients’ needs with Norris McLaughlin’s depth and breadth of experience, nimble market position, and focus on helping businesses and individuals in the local community to prosper. Alvarez received his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2013 and his B.A., cum laude, from Villanova University in 2009.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, News | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez

Eric Alvarez, an Associate of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will present the webinar, “Drug/Alcohol Litigation: In Depth Discussion of Social Host, Dram Shop, and Cannabis Law Litigation,” hosted by the Somerset County Bar Association (SCBA).

Dram Shops and Cannabis Law

This webinar will discuss various issues related to:

• Updates in the shifting landscape of cannabis law
• Elements of liability
• The New Jersey Dram Shop Act
• First party claims

When: Monday, May 24, 2021

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

This webinar costs $25 and is worth 1.2 CLE credits.

About Eric Alvarez

Eric concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, product liability, and franchise disputes. Eric understands that every litigation is unique, as are the parties involved in it. He approaches each case focused on achieving the best possible result for his client based on that client’s individual objectives and goals.

A resident of Somerset County, Eric is active in the local bar association and the Somerset County Business Partnership, where he serves on its Board of Directors. He maximizes his previous “Big Law” experience and better serve his clients’ needs with the firm’s depth and breadth of experience, nimble market position, and focus on assisting businesses and individuals in the local community prosper.

Eric advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”). He also represents brand owners and representatives in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry in complex commercial litigation, including manufacturer/distributor disputes, consumer claims defense, and intellectual property/trade secret litigation.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez

Eric Alvarez, an Associate of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will co-present the webinar, “What’s Next? Marijuana Legalization and Impacts on Business,” hosted by the Somerset County Business Partnership.

Marijuana Legalization

Eric will be joined by Ryan Brandt, Senior Manager at WithumSmith+Brown, Lynn Donaldson, CEO of ConnectA Pharma Resource, and Sarah Trent, Founder of NJ Cannabis Certified. Speakers will discuss various issues related to:

• The impact of legalization on business communities
• Tax implications
• The legal nuances to consider
• Available courses to further cannabis law education

When: Wednesday, May 26, 2021

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

This webinar costs $10 for SCBP members and $20 for non-members.

About Eric Alvarez

Eric concentrates his practice on complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, product liability, and franchise disputes. Eric understands that every litigation is unique, as are the parties involved in it. He approaches each case focused on achieving the best possible result for his client based on that client’s individual objectives and goals.

A resident of Somerset County, Eric is active in the local bar association and the Somerset County Business Partnership, where he serves on its Board of Directors. He maximizes his previous “Big Law” experience and better serve his clients’ needs with the firm’s depth and breadth of experience, nimble market position, and focus on assisting businesses and individuals in the local community prosper.

Eric advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”). He also represents brand owners and representatives in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry in complex commercial litigation, including manufacturer/distributor disputes, consumer claims defense, and intellectual property/trade secret litigation.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez

Nicholas F. Pellitta, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will moderate the free webinar, “Recreational Cannabis Is Legal in New Jersey: What Employers Need to Know,” hosted by the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce.

Recreational Cannabis in New Jersey

This one-hour webinar will offer in-depth conclusions regarding recreation cannabis legislation concerning employers and labor laws. Discussion topics will include:

• Three key provisions of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA) that impact the workplace
• New rules for drug testing and the interplay with the Jake Honig Medical Cannabis Industry
• What employers should be doing now
• What is left unanswered by CREAMMA

When: Tuesday, April 13, 2021

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

About Nicholas Pellitta

Nick has substantial experience in a variety of legal areas in both federal and state courts. It is his goal to maximize efficiency for his clients by promptly analyzing their objectives, identifying necessary strategies, and implementing an appropriate course of action. Nick provides a wide variety of litigation strategies and assistance for business clients in commercial matters, including contract review, insurance-related issues, and real property tax appeals.

In the area of higher education, Nick has represented colleges and universities for more than 25 years in areas such as tort claim defense, campus security, alcohol policies, police litigation, civil rights, and student discipline. Representative clients include Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and Seton Hall University. Nick has represented the Rutgers Police Department and has provided in-house training and advice on police-related matters. On the individual level, Nick assists clients in matters involving personal injury, criminal charges, juvenile delinquency, and other similar offenses, both in municipal and superior courts.

Nick has served as Second Vice President in the C. Willard Heckel Inn of Court, an organization designed for the continuing education of newly-admitted attorneys. He has also lectured at the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and on behalf of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office in the area of trial practice. Nick has served as Chairman of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce and is currently Legal Counsel to the Chamber, aiding in contract review, lease and vendor agreements, and general legal advice. He also served as a member of the Board of Trustees and a Past President for Prevention Resources, an organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness and preventing substance abuse and violence in the community, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Raritan Valley Community College Foundation.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Events, Labor & Employment, Nicholas F. Pellitta | Tags: cannabis law, Labor & Employment, Nicholas F. Pellitta

Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associate David C. Berger, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

About the Impact on Real Estate

Discussion topics will include:

• What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
• The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
• The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
• The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
• The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
• The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
• The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

When: Monday, August 17, 2020

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Where: Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy

10 S. Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Registration: glvreacademy.com

• Members: $45.00
• Non-Members: $65.00

About Your Attorneys

Rich Somach

Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

David Berger

David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: cannabis law, David C. Berger, liquor law, real estate & finance, Richard B. Somach

Richard B. Somach, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., along with the firm’s Associate David C. Berger, will present the livestream webinar, “Liquor License Laws, Medical Marijuana & Service Animals: Impact on Real Estate,” for Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®, a trade association that represents nearly 3,000 real estate professionals.

About the Impact on Real Estate

Discussion topics will include:

• What landlords must consider when renting a property to a tenant with a liquor license
• The implications of leasing a property to a manufacturer of medical marijuana
• The eviction process and the restrictions on property use
• The legal vs. illegal uses of marijuana
• The rights and responsibilities of landlords, tenants, and property buyers
• The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal
• The responsibilities and liability of having an animal on their premises

When: Monday, June 15, 2020

• 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Registration: glvreacademy.com

• Members: $45.00
• Non-Members: $65.00

About Your Attorneys

Rich Somach

Rich focuses his practice on real estate, commercial law, and creditors’ remedies, representing real estate development companies, shopping centers, and local banks. He has represented real estate owners, developers, and investors in a broad range of real estate transactions, including zoning matters,  subdivisions, and shopping center development.

As a licensed title insurance agent, Rich is the founder of the title insurance and settlement company ABE Settlement Services, creatively serving client needs. He currently serves as legal counsel to the Greater Lehigh Valley REALTORS®.

As a former Assistant Lehigh County Solicitor, Rich advised the Sheriff’s Office, the Tax Assessment Office, and the Tax Claim Bureau, and frequently writes and lectures on real estate matters, including sheriff’s sales, real estate tax sales, and lien priority issues for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He has also presented numerous lectures at the annual Real Estate Institute program.

David Berger

David concentrates his practice on business, real estate, and liquor law. He actively counsels clients on general business topics including organization and formation, corporate governance, lease negotiations, restructurings, and finance.

A licensed title agent, David works closely with lenders, real estate developers, and homebuilding companies. He handles both residential and commercial real estate development including acquisitions, land use and zoning matters, title review, and other due diligence requirements.

In his liquor law practice, David handles sale and purchase of liquor licenses and provides transactional counseling, including defending licenses who have received citations from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, David C. Berger, Events, Liquor Law, Licensing, Manufacturing and Distribution, Real Estate & Finance, Richard B. Somach | Tags: cannabis law, David C. Berger, liquor law, real estate & finance, Richard B. Somach

CannaRiskCon 1.0, a panel discussion forum sponsored by Norris McLaughlin, The John Morgan McLachlan Agency, and New Ventures Consulting, will include in-depth Q&A-style conversations about the inherent legal liabilities and potential business risks facing the cannabis industry.  This inaugural event will take place on January 29, 2020, at the Bridgewater Manor in Bridgewater, New Jersey.

Featuring leading experts risk management, insurance coverage, and the ever-expanding discipline of cannabis law, growers and dispensary operators from all levels of management and ownership will receive actionable information takeaways to help protect themselves from risk and liability and ensure their companies are successful.

Registration for this event is FREE, but is limited to the first 100 people who register!  The information and takeaways from this event will be most valuable to growers and dispensary owners already invested in the industry, as well as those interested in starting a cannabis business or introducing cannabis products to their existing business.  Ancillary service providers, vendors, distributors, and supply chain manufacturers are also encouraged to attend.  Whatever role your business plays in delivering cannabis products to this fast-growing market, this is one program you will not want to miss.

When: January 29, 2020

8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Bridgewater Manor

1251 US-206
Bridgewater Township, NJ 08807

Registration: CannaRiskCon.com

About the Norris McLaughlin Panelist

Eric Alvarez concentrates his practice on high-stakes, complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—as well as individuals, in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, products liability, and mass tort litigation. Eric handles and coordinates multi-jurisdictional cases through all stages of litigation, up to and including trial. He is also a member of the firm’s Cannabis Law Practice Group. He advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to the production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”).

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, Events | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez, Vaping

Eric Alvarez, an Associate of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will be a featured speaker at Revel’s upcoming event “Cannabis + Vaping.”

About the Event

The “Cannabis + Vaping” event will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m., at SubCulture in New York. Vaping has been making headlines in recent months due to its link to health-related problems. Speakers will use their knowledge of the cannabis industry to discuss how these headlines affect the cannabis industry. Alvarez will specifically speak on the potential product liability implications, including manufacture and design defects.

“I am honored Revel has chosen me as one of the speakers for their cannabis and vaping event. It’s a hot topic right now. I am looking forward to educating the audience on the legal implications of alleged vaping-related injuries, as well as learning from such great co-presenters,” Alvarez said.

Working to promote, inspire, and celebrate entrepreneurs within the legal cannabis industry, Revel hosts many events to showcase technologies, as well as inform and educate.

To learn more and to register, click here.

About Eric Alvarez

Alvarez concentrates his practice on high-stakes, complex commercial litigation in both state and federal court. He represents businesses of all shapes and sizes—from closely-held partnerships to international corporations—as well as individuals, in a wide range of litigation matters, including general commercial litigation, consumer fraud, products liability, and mass tort litigation. Alvarez handles and coordinates multi-jurisdictional cases through all stages of litigation, up to and including trial.

Alvarez is also a member of Norris McLaughlin’s Cannabis Law Group. He advises clients on compliance with state and federal laws and regulations relating to production, research, and testing of cannabis and cannabis-derived products such as cannabidiol (“CBD”).

Alvarez understands that every client’s situation is unique, as are the parties involved in it. He approaches each case focused on achieving the best possible result for his client based on that client’s individual objectives and goals.

Prior to joining Norris McLaughlin, Alvarez worked at an Am Law 100 firm, where he was a team member of the New Jersey Law Journal’s 2015 Products Liability Litigation Department of the Year.

Alvarez came to Norris McLaughlin to better serve the companies and individuals in his local community. A resident of Somerset County, Alvarez is active in the local bar association. He maximizes his “Big Law” experience and better serves his client’s needs with Norris McLaughlin’s depth and breadth of experience, nimble market position, and focus on assisting businesses and individuals in the local community prosper.

Alvarez received his J.D., cum laude, from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2013 and his B.A., cum laude, from Villanova University in 2009.

About Norris McLaughlin

The cannabis law attorneys at Norris McLaughlin provide a full range of legal and consultation services in all areas of cannabis law for employers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, suppliers, growers, retailers, and investors. This diverse group of attorneys navigates the complex and ever-changing laws and regulations governing the medical and recreational use of marijuana.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Eric Alvarez, News | Tags: cannabis law, Eric Alvarez

Danielle M. DeFilippis, a Member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., will be panelists for a cannabis breakout session on Wednesday, October 16, at the ROI-NJ Food & Beverage Innovation Summit. The event will be at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

About the Presentation

DeFilippis will be joined by Linda Gilbert, CEO of EcoFocus, for an industry frame of reference. She will moderate the discussion and include her trademark perspective in the food and beverage industry. For more information and to register, visit the Eventbrite page.

“We are excited to help food and beverage businesses understand the legal hurdles when it comes to the confusing world of cannabis,” said DeFilippis.

About Danielle DeFilippis

DeFilippis, Co-Chair of the firm’s Intellectual Property Law Practice Group, focuses her practice on intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. Her passion for food and beverage brands began at a young age, as she watched her father service various food brands through his work for a sales and marketing company. As the products came through her household, DeFilippis learned about marketing and branding from a retail and manufacturing perspective. Her appetite grew, and she now enjoys working with emerging and established food and beverage companies on brand development, clearance, counseling through the various stages of growth, and when the need arises, prosecuting and defending litigation. DeFilippis is an author for Norris McLaughlin’s trademark, copyright, and unfair competition blog, More Than Your MaⓇk™. She has been named to New Jersey Law Journal’s 2019 list of “New Jersey Trailblazers” for her efforts in the food and beverage industry in New Jersey and for expanding those efforts on a global scale. DeFilippis received her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from The Pennsylvania State University in 2001.

About Norris McLaughlin

Norris McLaughlin’s food, beverage, and hospitality attorneys tackle the wide array of legal issues facing the food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers; food and beverage trade groups; breweries, distilleries, and wineries; restaurants, bars, hotels, conference centers, stadiums, and other public venues, including business planning, construction, corporate law, environmental concerns, immigration, intellectual property, labor and employment law, litigation, liquor law, real estate and finance, and tax counseling.

The cannabis law attorneys at Norris McLaughlin provide a full range of legal and consultation services in all areas of cannabis law for employers, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, suppliers, growers, retailers, and investors. This diverse group of attorneys navigates the complex and ever-changing laws and regulations governing the medical and recreational use of marijuana.

Norris McLaughlin is a full service, mid-sized regional law firm of 130+ attorneys with main offices located in Bridgewater, NJ; New York, NY; and Allentown, PA. For more information, including a full practice area listing and attorney biographies, please visit www.norrismclaughlin.com.

Posted in: Cannabis Law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Food, Beverage & Hospitality, News | Tags: cannabis law, Danielle M. DeFilippis, Food & Beverage Law