Here at Biztech Lawyers our team has a unique legal and operations skill set as we draw upon our network of specialist lawyers and tech partners across the world.
So today we’d like to share a little about Rashad, Senior Lawyer at Biztech Lawyers. His breadth of global experience in fast paced expansions is invaluable when servicing our clients.
All our team live, breath and thrive on the success of our clients. We speak your language, understand your challenges, and look to build long term relationships.
We asked Rashad a few questions….
Tell us, why a career in law?
Answer: I am fascinated by word choices and rules. This led me to debate in high school and helped me become a national debate champion in college. Practicing law allows me to play with words, ideas and rules while helping people and solving problems- it is a perfect use of my talents and interests.
What is the tech startup scene like where you are based now, in West Hollywood, California?
Answer: West Hollywood and Southern California is an exciting place to work in the tech startup scene because there are so many great companies using technology for innovative solutions to pressing problems. The creativity and diversity found here is unmatched.
When you are not focused on work, how else do you like to spend your time?
Answer: I try to be active, outdoors and if I can help it- competing! I rotate playing in adult recreational leagues for flag football, baseball, beach volleyball and tennis. I enjoy long bike rides and hikes with my doberman pinscher Cleo. I also coach high school debate.
You have most recently worked as Associate General Counsel of a global primary production organisation with a difference, Advanced Nutrients. What was that like?
Answer: Advanced Nutrients is the number one seller of nutrients for cannabis growers globally. Working as an in-house attorney in the cannabis space is challenging because of the regulatory uncertainty, potential criminal liability and commercial limitations. It requires a significant amount of creative problem solving, which is my favorite part of lawyering.
Being involved in the worldwide cannabis industry (manufacture & distribution of nutrients for the growers) brings a heightened level of compliance, governance and due diligence. What was your steepest learning curve?
Answer: Learning and complying with the various state, federal, EU and individual European country regulations for fertilizer and organic products was a surprising challenge. Cannabis regulations are far less onerous than many consumer product regulations. Collectively, these regulations can keep a lawyer very busy.
You were involved in the implementation of legal and accounting procedures for seven highly regulated companies in various industries. What advice can you give to those scaleups diversifying their businesses?
Answer:
The most important issue I face, and advise business partners on, is the importance of establishing and maintaining corporate formalities and separateness. It is not only essential to ensure legal compliance for each entity, but also to the future success and desirability of the company to investors or purchasers.
Spending the early part of your career in New York must have been an education in itself – undertaking securities and bankruptcy litigation for some significant cases. What can you tell us about your time there?
Answer:
New York is an intense place to practice law and I practiced at two of the more intense law firms in New York. I had the opportunity to work with many of the best legal minds in banking, securities and bankruptcy, which was an invaluable contribution to the development of my own substantive knowledge and skills. Aside from that, I learned how to be diligent under immense time pressure, how to collaborate across large teams on large matters, how to manage co-counsels, local counsels, vendors, support staff, contract attorneys, partners and clients. In short, it’s where I learned how to manage people, documents and deadlines.
Having also worked with media tech companies, marketing firms & real estate developers, what client management skills have you found to be the most universal?
Answer:
I find clear communication to be essential to client satisfaction. Clear communication includes frequent communication and understanding client problems and objectives. I always want to know exactly what the client wants to achieve so I can know how exactly I can (or cannot) help them achieve their goals. I take this seriously in my role as an advisor.
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