By Phoenix Business Journal
Ryan Hurley
Partner, cannabis law, Rose Law Group, Rich, Hurley, Carter PC
Years in the industry: 10 years practicing attorney, 6 in the cannabis industry
Why did you want to become an attorney?
To help people seek equitable and fair treatment under the law.
What is the most difficult part about being a lawyer?
Balancing business concerns with the search for justice.
What’s the most exciting thing happening in your industry?
Changing cannabis laws are creating once-in-a-lifetime business opportunities both within the industry and for ancillary companies to deal with the industry.
What’s the profession’s greatest challenge(s) today?
I believe the old model of the top-heavy firm is dead. Today’s lawyers must adapt to the on-demand needs of their clients.
How has technology changed the way you do business? My smartphone and remote access allows me to do business anywhere anytime. This is of course a blessing and a curse as any responsive lawyer knows.
How do you think your industry will change in the next 10 years? Artificial intelligence is going to change everything, the legal practice included.
What trends do you see in the Valley law sector over the next five years? More consolidation of bigger firms and more specialization in smaller ones.
What’s the most common misconception about your industry? People assume that because I work with the cannabis industry that I must be a criminal attorney. I am not. I am a business and regulatory attorney.
What is one change you think would make metro Phoenix’s economy more vibrant? Legalization of cannabis will result in a multi-billion-dollar windfall to the economy in Arizona. Last year in Colorado, it was a $2.4 billion dollar impact.
