In what area of law do you practice and why did you choose this?
I practice cannabis and corporate law. I studied at Seattle University School of Law where I served as the Cannabis Law Society Treasurer and ended up getting involved in cannabis there. I continued to work in the cannabis sector when I started working at a boutique cannabis law firm where we focused on cannabis, corporate and trademark law.
Once Minnesota legalized cannabis, I knew that my cannabis experience could be helpful in a new market. In addition, I am very community oriented, and I wanted to be a part of something that I am passionate about, in my home state.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I originally wanted to be a cartoonist.
When did you decide you wanted to be a lawyer?
I wanted to become a lawyer when I was in the nonprofit world and I thought I could help the immigrant community more if I went to law school. I originally planned on going into immigration law, however, I fell into cannabis and realized that I could help a different community just as much.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a lawyer?
I was a grant writer and helped create a cultural nonprofit in St. Louis Park that is still thriving. So, I think I would be in the nonprofit world to unite and highlight the various diverse communities here in Minnesota.
Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career.
Neil Juneja in Seattle, Washington is the king of cannabis. He taught me all of the tips, tricks and solutions in the cannabis sector. He showed me that being an attorney is about finding creative solutions within the law.
What do you like best about practicing law at H&J?
The law firm has big law vibes with small firm client attention.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Always live east of where you work, that way you will never have the sun in your eyes during your commute.
What is the strangest legal question you have ever been asked?
Maybe not strange but a memorable question is when a client asked if he could register a trademark as “marijuana gummies”. After explaining how trademarks work, he then proceeded to ask if “cannabis gummies” would be better.
What is an item on your bucket list?
I would love to go to Lima, Peru and go on a food tour.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Paris for two reasons: 1) my brother lives there; and 2) it is where I got married.
What is your favorite Minnesota Lake?
I had a cabin growing up on White Iron Lake in Ely, Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters. Although it is a great lake for fishing walleye, I am more of a wakeboarder.
What is your favorite Twin Cities restaurant?
Although originally from Minnesota, I have been in Seattle for the last couple of years so I am not sure what the food scene is like, however, the minute I returned, I requested Punch Pizza. I then proceeded to eat at Punch Pizza for a week straight. (I wish I was lying…)
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
People would find me playing ice hockey, shooting with my film camera and snuggling with my 8 year old golden retriever, Jake.
What is your favorite part of practicing law?
My clients. I love helping my clients achieve their goals, especially in the cannabis sector, where no two cases are alike.
Who is your hero?
My brother, Alex Rash. I could go on about him, but my favorite quality is his ability to always stand tall in the pocket, no matter what.
What is a recent good book you read?
They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Adburraqib. It is a collection of essay using music to explore the world we live in, culturally and politically.
What advice would you give to the young version of yourself who is just entering law school?
Go to more networking events, they always have free food.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I was a division one women’s ice hockey player, which is probably the most Minnesotan thing to say.
What is your strongest asset?
My tenacity.
If you have an out-of-town visitor, what are the “must see/do” things in the Twin Cities?
Grab a Parlour Bar burger before jamming out at Bunkers across the street. Or go bowling at Bryant Lake Bowl!
