Interview: Hala Sandridge

that it had a property interest in the license that was protected by the 14th amendment and, therefore, any procedure used to deprive the firm of that right would need to provide due process; however, since marijuana is contraband, it is not possible to have a constitutionally protected property interest in it. Louis Del Favero appealed Judge Hinkle’s decision to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2019, stating that it is possible to have such a property right despite the conflict with federal law, and that the District Court judge ruled in error.

While state and federal law continue to clash where medical marijuana is concerned, the related hemp industry in Florida is faring far better. The farming of hemp and the production and sale of hemp products, such as the explosively popular cannabidiol (“CBD”), became legal statewide on July 1, 2019. The Florida Agriculture Department is hard at work creating rules and regulations for the hemp industry that is burgeoning in the wake of legalization. Some elements of the new regulatory framework include a new Florida hemp logo (similar to the famous “Fresh from Florida” logo); regulations and permits for crop cultivation, CBD product manufacturing, and hemp-infused consumables; and strict standards for product safety that will apply to both humans and pets. Legalization of hemp and hemp products in Florida follows the federal legalization of CBD under the 2018 Farm Bill, with one of the stated goals of the state law being to provide better oversight of the CBD products being sold to Floridians. Up to this point, there have been numerous instances of so-called CBD products containing numerous harmful additives and little if any actual hemp. In the absence of a robust regulatory framework, it is difficult to weed out these fraudulent products, but under the new regulations the Department of Agriculture could issue cease-anddesist letters to noncompliant producers. Legitimate CBD producers welcome the new rules, claiming that better oversight will actually reduce competition within the state by eliminating charlatans seeking a quick buck, and leaving a smaller number of legitimate producers in the field. The hemp industry is continuing to grow and evolve, and the law will likely need to follow suit over the next few years, but this is a strong first step.

Another part of the legislative landscape that has had a significant impact on Florida in recent years is the legislative framework governing the purchase, ownership, and use of guns. Following the highprofile mass shooting at Parkland’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, Florida passed a “red Hala Sandridge Partner Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

How is the firm preparing for the next generation of legal professionals?

Every company has to manage their external and internal sustainability, with a focus on the next generation of the workforce to optimize for long-term success. We at Buchanan are continuously building that next generation of attorneys who are going to continue the work of the senior leaders after they retire. We have strong succession plans in place as well as various programs that help those who are not yet at partner levels become stronger in their practice, better at business development and immersed in the clients’ businesses.

I have noticed that many law firms do not plan for the future workforce and for retirement of their more senior partners. It is crucial for continuity of business to have attorneys trained and ready to pick up responsibilities and relationships. The next generation needs to be ready to sustain the growth that the company has accomplished and continue to take advantage of this market. When our attorneys are near retirement age, we have a conversation with them to make a plan for their retirement. We require our attorneys to take on these young people and integrate them with their clients so that the relationship continues smoothly after they have left.

What is the state of the job market for law students nearing graduation?

The job market for law students has seen a bit of fluctuation over the past several years and right now there are many opportunities for fresh law school graduates. Three years ago, we were not hiring too many law students shortly after graduation, but that has changed. We have hired a number of past summer associates upon their graduation and continue to seek out talented graduates. I cannot say enough great things about this next generation. They have their heads on straight, are incredibly goal-oriented and are willing to learn.