General Counsel / VP of Legal & Compliance

This position represents the highest legal role within our organization. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire legal and compliance function, which includes legal strategy, adherence to regulations, corporate structure, real estate transactions, and risk management for both our operations and those of our clients. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will collaborate daily with a four-member executive team that values swift decision-making over bureaucracy, and you will play a key role in establishing the standards for our developing corporate office. For the right individual, a clear pathway to the Chief Legal Officer position is available.

The role itself is particularly appealing for the right candidate: navigating the complexities of cannabis regulation is both challenging and engaging. This position encompasses all aspects of regulatory strategy, governance, leasing, legislative affairs, lender relations, and licensing. In your first six months, you will have clearly defined strategies and objectives, allowing you to understand your responsibilities and the criteria for success from the outset.

• Regulatory Compliance and Audit Preparedness: Ensure compliance across all markets and license types we support, maintaining standards that can withstand scrutiny. Manage licensing applications, renewals, ownership changes, and regulatory deadlines; collaborate with market leaders to implement controls and address audit findings.
• Contracts: Take charge of drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements; establish standards for review and approval processes; ensure that executed agreements, obligations, and renewal dates are accurately tracked.
• Corporate Governance and Structure: Design, draft, and implement compliance frameworks and entity structures in collaboration with financial advisors.
• Real Estate and Transactions: Oversee lease reviews, subleasing, and transactional work that supports construction and facility solutions for licensed operators.
• Legal Operations: Manage the administration of our Legal Ops platform and related processes, including intake, prioritization, deadlines, document control, reporting, and escalation. Ensure record accuracy, develop repeatable workflows, and establish the platform as the team's primary resource.
• Leadership of the Legal Team: Directly manage and mentor the in-house legal team, which includes a senior counsel and two paralegals. Set priorities, assign tasks, review outputs, and ensure accountability for timely and accurate execution, while also overseeing outside counsel with strict control over scope and expenses.
• Government Affairs: You must be adept at navigating bipartisan relationships, as cannabis policy development requires collaboration with lawmakers and stakeholders from both sides of the political spectrum. If partisan politics could hinder our mission, this role may not be suitable for you.
• Additional responsibilities include zoning, land use, municipal approvals, collaboration with Human Resources on labor and employment matters, and coordinating litigation readiness with external counsel.

This position is ideal for a senior attorney who thrives on complexity and responsibility. The focus here is more on active participation than on oversight: you will draft, negotiate, research, and file documents, taking pride in the tangible results of your efforts. You will establish clear ownership, reliable deadlines, and consistent review standards, while also mentoring junior staff to meet these expectations. We seek someone who is energized by ownership, high standards, and a diverse range of responsibilities. Familiarity with modern practices, including the use of AI and technology in legal work, is essential.

Our team operates in-person by design, as we believe that physical presence fosters mentorship, a strong culture, and effective corporate operations. Therefore, this role requires on-site work in Edina, five days a week, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Compensation ranges from $225,000 to $250,000, along with benefits. There is a clear pathway to the Chief Legal Officer role, direct access to ownership, and significant decision-making authority. You will be part of a modern, technology-driven legal practice. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate, and you will have a significant role in shaping an emerging industry influenced by individuals like you.

• Juris Doctor degree with an active bar membership in good standing; Minnesota admission or the ability to obtain it promptly.
• Over 8 years of experience, including senior in-house leadership, with a proven track record in building or managing a legal or compliance function.
• Extensive multi-state regulatory experience in the cannabis sector (preferred) or a similarly regulated industry such as alcohol, pharmaceuticals, gaming, or tobacco.
• Proven experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts, managing regulatory deadlines and records, and supervising and developing junior staff.
• Experience in multi-unit retail, franchising, or real estate is advantageous.
• Exceptional attention to detail, decisiveness, and adherence to the highest ethical standards.