Eden Sayers Esq.

As the Regulatory License Manager at Schwazze, a leading vertically integrated MSO based in Denver with 40+ dispensaries, cultivation sites, and manufacturing facilities in Colorado and New Mexico, responsibilities included:

• Efficiently renewing all Colorado state and local cannabis regulatory licenses, along with various other operational licenses such as alarm permits, RVT certificates, and fire permits, ensuring all were kept up-to-date.
• Collaborated dynamically with cross-functional teams to navigate intricate regulatory demands, provided real-time guidance, and ensured that company policies remained aligned with upcoming changes.
• Led internal audits to assess compliance with both state and local marijuana regulations, encompassing licensing audits and site inspections.
• Directly managed and accompanied state and local inspectors during inspections, proactively addressed post-inspection requirements, and strategized corrective actions as needed, while meticulously maintaining corrective action logs.
• Offered extensive expertise to Schwazze M & A team, particularly in areas of cannabis regulatory license application processes for acquisitions, encompassing due diligence and license acquisition procedures.
• Strategically planned and drafted materials required for state and local cannabis regulatory processes, including change of ownership, modification of premises, and transfer of location applications. This included creating detailed floor plans, representing company at regulatory hearings, securing zoning approvals, and drafting essential documents for regulatory approvals.
• Developed comprehensive monthly internal report on state and local cannabis regulatory matters for Executive Leadership Team.
• Proactively educated employees on most effective strategies for maintaining compliance with state and local regulations.
• Established robust standard operating procedures within licensing and compliance department to ensure timely and compliant application, renewal, and maintenance of all licenses, aligning seamlessly with state and local regulatory requirements.
• Served as company's primary point of contact for State and Local regulators, actively participated as an industry stakeholder in development and revision of licensing policies and best practices. I maintained open lines of communication, collaborated on pre-submission strategies, and worked closely with regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with requirements for new and pending cannabis business locations.

In this role, actively drove regulatory compliance and contributed to strategic growth of Schwazze in highly regulated cannabis industry.

As the former Licensing Assistant for a major vertically integrated cannabis operator with a presence in Colorado, overseeing 20+ dispensaries, cultivations, and grows, I had a diverse range of responsibilities that included:

• Ensured timely renewal of all state and local licenses, as well as other operational licenses essential for company's functions.
• Provided expert regulatory and compliance guidance for development of a large-scale distribution center, successfully securing all necessary state and local regulatory licenses for establishing a Marijuana Off Premise Storage Facility in City of Denver.
• Successfully transitioned 10+ Denver cannabis licenses onto new Denver Excise and Licensing Online Portal, streamlining licensing processes.
• Played pivotal role in creating company's internal retail-to-customer cannabis delivery program , including applications and acquisition of all requisite regulatory licenses and permits. Led the way in establishing partnerships with social equity delivery providers and developed comprehensive standard operating procedures to ensure regulatory compliance upon program's implementation.
• Crafted Denver Social Impact Plan along with an accompanying Playbook for one of Denver's largest Marijuana retailers, aligning company with its social responsibility objectives.
• Provided vital support for companywide compliance initiatives, representing legal department on company's compliance code counsel, offered recommendations on corrective actions to ensure alignment with State and Local regulations.
• Collaborated seamlessly with various company departments, including cultivation, manufacturing, marketing, HR, and retail teams, to address internal compliance inquiries and provide guidance on maintaining compliance with state and local regulations.
• Managed application process for new cannabis licenses, working closely with internal stakeholders to develop comprehensive technical application materials and ensuring submission of all required documentation met regulatory body's standards.
• Established and maintained positive relationships with state and local authorities, facilitating regulatory inspections and audits. Ensured prompt correction of any corrective action items required to maintain compliance.
• Contributed feedback and suggestions on proposed state and local regulatory language, collaborating with compliance department to develop internal strategies following approval of rule changes.
• Created informative presentations for leadership team, offering insights into upcoming regulatory changes within Colorado and other states.
• Managed all aspects of Legal Department's budgeting and accounting, including oversight of outside counsel expenditures.

Played a critical role in ensuring regulatory compliance and driving strategic initiatives for company while actively contributing to organizations growth and success in the ever-evolving cannabis industry.

In previous role as the manager responsible for all federal, state, and local cannabis regulatory licenses for three Canadian dispensaries, responsibilities encompassed:

• Timely submission of all licensing renewal materials and payments , guaranteeing that all required documentation and fees were submitted promptly to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Acted as corporate secretary during all board meetings, taking charge of drafting detailed board meeting minutes and overseeing all aspects of corporate governance documentation, in strict adherence to corporate bylaws.
• Provided essential contract review and guidance for internal stakeholders, offering insights into company obligations and ensuring that contractual agreements were in line with regulatory standards and corporate policies.
• Played crucial role in supporting legal department and outside counsel during sale of business. Responsible for drafting corporate change notifications to external stakeholders, ensuring seamless transition in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

In this capacity, actively contributed to efficient management of regulatory licenses and corporate governance while providing critical support for business transactions, helping to maintain compliance and facilitate smooth operations for Canadian dispensaries.

In prior role as sole paralegal for high-paced personal injury law firm, expertly managed a substantial caseload that encompassed personal injury workers' compensation cases, car accidents, and medical malpractice claims. Responsibilities included:

• Devised efficient client intake process , streamlining initial client onboarding procedures for increased effectiveness.
• Ordered, reviewed, and meticulously maintained client medical records and bills, with a keen eye on ensuring full compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Directly engaged with insurance providers and their in-house counsel, expertly drafting demand letters and skillfully negotiating settlements to secure favorable outcomes for clients.
• Collaborated closely with healthcare providers, ensuring seamless continuity of care for our clients and addressing their medical needs promptly and effectively.
• Provided invaluable support for litigation and trial management , actively contributing to trial preparation. This involved creating exhibit materials, drafting correspondences, pleadings, motions, and managing discovery process.
• Proficiently filed critical court documents on various platforms such as ICCES, CM/ECF, and Pacer, ensuring all deadlines were met promptly and accurately.
• Vigilantly monitored case calendars and critical docket deadlines, ensuring that firm remained in compliance with all court requirements.
• Worked in close coordination with our medical witness expert partners, actively contributing to trial preparation and scheduling to bolster our legal strategies.
• Conducted comprehensive legal research and analysis, providing firm with valuable insights and legal support to bolster our case strategies.

In this role, played a pivotal part in firm's success, effectively managing cases, ensuring compliance, and contributing to positive outcomes of our clients' legal matters.

In previous role as sole paralegal for boutique civil litigation law firm, expertly managed diverse client base, overseeing wide range of legal cases, including employment law, products liability, divorce, and insurance litigation. Responsibilities encompassed:

• Conducted comprehensive legal writing and research, which involved skillfully drafting court documents such as pretrial motions and requests for summary judgment. Meticulous work contributed to preparation of compelling legal arguments.
• Efficiently handled client intake and case review processes, ensuring that each client's unique legal needs were assessed and addressed effectively.
• Managed all aspects of billable hours materials, including bookkeeping and client invoicing. This meticulous attention to financial details supported firm's financial health and client relationships.
• Vigilantly monitored case calendars, ensuring that critical deadlines were never missed. Played key role in creating trial materials, providing essential support for litigation process.

In this role, made significant contributions to firm's legal operations, excelling in legal research, client management, financial administration, and trial preparation across wide array of legal cases.

As Rule 9 Public Defender with the prestigious summer internship program of the Rhode Island Public Defenders, was granted the privilege by the Rhode Island Supreme Court to engage in the practice of law under Rule 9 of the Rhode Island Supreme Court Rules. Responsibilities included:

• Providing counsel to indigent criminal clients throughout pre-trial process, offering vital guidance on potential immigration impacts of their cases.
• Conducting extensive legal writing and research, consistently delivering well-informed legal arguments and strategies.
• Representing indigent clients in criminal proceedings within Rhode Island District Court, vigorously advocating for their rights and interests.
• Engaging in discussions with opposing counsel and city solicitors, skillfully negotiating reduced penalties and favorable outcomes for clients.
• Proficiently drafting and confidently arguing motions in District Court, showcasing a strong legal acumen and persuasive communication skills.

In this role, played an essential part in ensuring legal representation of indigent clients, actively participating in legal proceedings, and contributing to defense of their rights and interests within the Rhode Island legal system.