Helping mentor the next generation of attorneys, Gary Smith and JoAnn Falgout recently shared career and industry insights with current and future Arizona State University law students as part of Guidant’s community outreach efforts.
Representing the Arizona Cannabis Business Association during a lunch event at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, Gary encouraged students to use their passion to carve a niche in the industry. Eyes widened with interest as Gary delved into the world of psychedelics, explaining how cannabis is only a starting point within this up-and-coming area of law, as well as adjacent practice areas like tax and environmental law that provide opportunities for growth.
JoAnn spoke to the ASU Pre-Law Society in a Zoom webinar, educating undergrad members about several practice areas by discussing her transition from criminal and civil law to bankruptcy and commercial law. She reassured students that despite the hard work, law school can be engaging, fulfilling and fun — and noted the importance of speaking up and being brave in class, especially for women in the field.
When asked about positive career influences, she reflected on her clerkship for the Honorable Ruth V. McGregor, now Retired Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court. JoAnn detailed how her former mentor’s intelligence, fairness, work ethic and judicial philosophy have shaped her practice today.
As a leading cannabis attorney in Arizona, Gary frequently shares insights for industry publications and organizations, as well as Arizona media. He is the founder and current president of the Arizona Cannabis Bar Association, which is dedicated to educating lawyers and the public about responsible legislation.
Senior attorney JoAnn helps Guidant clients resolve a wide variety of complex issues in bankruptcy, commercial and appellate law. In her bankruptcy practice, she represents both commercial and consumer clients in connection with Chapter 7, 11 (including Subchapter V), and 13 bankruptcy cases and appeals. JoAnn also advises and represents individual and business clients in commercial and construction disputes, including litigation and appeals.