A Paralegal’s Journey Into the Multi-Million Dollar Cannabis Industry with Samantha Misch

Every single organization in the world needs a regulatory body that monitors compliance and ethics. Even cannabis companies. In this riveting episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Samantha Misch, Senior Paralegal at Green Thumb Industries, for an insightful discussion on navigating the evolving intersection of law and cannabis compliance. While they unpack the fascinating world of legalized cannabis today, this conversation offers unique insights on how paralegals can adapt to industry changes, valuable strategies for career advancement in legal operations, and the delicate balance between traditional legal work and emerging technologies. If practical wisdom that keeps you agile is what you’re looking for, this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn:

The unique skills it takes to make it as a paralegal in today’s tech-driven world
Why the role of a paralegal is crucial to the business of cannabis today

How to walk the line between traditional legal work and emerging technologies

How to approach and keep up with regulatory changes in the cannabis industry
The valuable strategies for career advancement in legal operations
Using technology to drive your growth as a paralegal, regardless of where you are in your career

Why the human element is a non-negotiable for paralegals today

Tune in to explore the fascinating intersection of law and the cannabis industry, and the equally fascinating role of paralegals in it all.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Between the Briefs

00:44 From Night School to Senior Paralegal: Sam’s Career Journey

02:07 The Power of Transparency in Professional Growth

03:14 The Multifaceted Role of Modern Paralegals

05:39 Leading the Illinois Paralegal Association

07:30 Technology's Impact on the Paralegal Profession

08:45 Inside Green Thumb Industries: Cannabis Compliance

13:58 Day-to-Day Operations of a Legal Operations Paralegal

17:10 Essential Documentation Strategies for Success

19:01 Strategic Career Entry Points for New Paralegals

20:54 AI's Role in the Future of Paralegal Work

26:11 The State of Paralegal Associations Post-2020

29:20 Leadership Journey in Professional Organizations

32:59 Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead in Legal Tech

Quotes:

"I think it's important for paralegals to be able to know a little bit of everything. I don't think you need to be a master of all things, but you need to have familiarity with a broad range of topics to be successful."
"AI cannot replace a paralegal. It could definitely streamline some processes and maybe help with creating a more efficient workload, but it can't replace the person that has to pick up the phone and talk to a client."
"The paralegals are the backbone or the silent helper in the room, and oftentimes, I feel like they have more of the small detailed knowledge that maybe the attorneys don't get a chance to see."
"I always tell people that I wouldn't jump to just a paralegal role. There's so many other roles that you can have, like a legal assistant or even a legal secretary. It's a really good way to get your foot in the door, get the experience, and understand how processes work."