Joseph W. Schafer

Mr. Schafer, an attorney with Lippes Mathias’ Corporate Practice Team, assists 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, Mr. Schafer 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, Mr. Schafer advises clients on the full spectrum of New York State's cannabis program (medical, cannabinoid hemp, and adult-use) and has prepared adult-use applications for conditional cultivation, processing, and retail dispensary applicants.  He also negotiates and drafts agreements for both plant-touching and non-plant-touching businesses and regularly consults on the ever-changing regulatory landscape facing cannabis entrepreneurs in New York and across the country.