BUFFALO, N.Y. – Joseph W. Schafer, a member of Lippes Mathias’ cannabis practice team, served as a speaker as part of the University at Buffalo's Blackstone LaunchPad Cannabis Industry Design Challenge. Joseph spoke with and answered questions from participants on the topic of establishing a business entity and operating in the cannabis industry.

Joseph is an attorney with Lippes Mathias’ corporate practice team, assisting clients with mergers & acquisitions, business formation, and structuring, licensing, contract review, and other general matters. With prior experience as a legal intern with the United States Tennis Association and as a former NCAA Division I athlete, coach, and administrator, he is also a member of the firm’s sports, entertainment & hospitality team. Prior to joining Lippes Mathias, Joseph gained extensive experience in commercial litigation, including breach of contract, antitrust, business disputes, cannabis, class action defense, and employment disputes. As a member of the firm’s cannabis practice team, Joseph has advised clients on hemp regulations, the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, and has handled litigation matters for clients involved in the cannabis industry.

Lippes Mathias is a full-service law firm with more than 135 attorneys serving clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. With offices in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, Long Island, and New York, N.Y.; Greater Toronto Area; Chicago, Ill.; Jacksonville, Fla.; San Antonio, T.X.; and Washington, D.C., the firm represents publicly and privately-owned companies, private equity and venture capital firms, real estate developers, financial institutions, municipalities, governmental entities, and individuals.