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MITCH PAWLUK ATTORNEY, HARRIS BEACH PLLC
Age: 30
A
s New York prepares to enter the medical marijuana industry and begin the selection process for granting licenses to interested businesses, Mitchell Pawluk—whose law firm represents one of the applicants—said he’s enjoyed being involved in what will be “a highly competitive race.” “It’s an emerging industry in New York State,” cityandstateny.com
Pawluk, an attorney with Harris Beach PLLC, said of the state’s medical marijuana program. “It’s always great to be on the front line.” Pawluk says New York’s regulations for its medical marijuana program, which was enacted last year and is now accepting applications from businesses interested in operating as growers or dispensaries, are expected to be among the most restrictive in the nation. He says he enjoys helping clients, among them companies in the gaming, racing and energy industries, navigate complicated regulatory processes and abide by state laws. “It has its challenges,” he said. “We do big projects at Harris Beach … and we do it under the tightest deadlines.” The past 10 years have been a “fast-moving, ever-changing” time in New York politics, said Pawluk, who has worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the state Attorney General’s Office, among other agencies. He said the administrative changes and shifting political landscape in the state means there is even more emphasis on observing regulations. “Integrity is of the utmost priority in Albany currently,” Pawluk said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about trust.” If you could have any hero superpower, what would it be? “The ability to complete tasks by the blink of an eye.” If you could change one thing about state government, what would it be? “I would change the Empire State Plaza … it’s a largely more modern building. I would redo the Empire State Plaza to reflect a more classic design.” —AP