Legal Experts to Follow in 2025 | Linda J. Brewer

Linda J. Brewer on the Power of Advocacy, Adaptability, and Vision

Inthe Courtroom andBeyond

Embracing Excellence

600 N Broad St 5 Middletown, DE 19709, United States +1 302-907-9110

Editor-in-Chief –

Art Director –

Naomi Lam

Managing EditorCreative Director –Daryl Yeung

Matt Reis Adam Waring

Project Manager –

Marketing Manager –

Customer Relationship –

Business Development –

Richard Dann Sofia Brown

Natasha Green

Matt Hale, Josh Wilder, Anish Miller

For any advertising related information, please contact info@exeleonmagazine.com. Submissions as well as contributions to the magazine are welcome.

Take a moment and let us know about our magazine; whether it be about the design or a possible mistake, we would appreciate any feedback from your end. You can reach out to daryl@exeleonmagazine.com.

BRANDON DORSKY

B nd

Linda J. Brewer on the Power of Advocacy, Adaptability, and Vision

FOR

LindaJ.Brewer,litigationhasalways beenmorethanacareer—it'sa calling.Fromthemomentsheset footinacourtroomasahighschool studentduringamocktrial competition,theenvironment resonatedwithherona fundamentallevel.Thearchitecture ofargument,therigorofpersuasion, andthepalpablesenseofpurpose allfeltlikehome.Thatformative experiencesetheronapaththat wouldeventuallyleadtonational recognitionasoneofthemost respectediguresincomplex commerciallitigation.

Today,Lindastandsattheforefront ofalegalpracticedeinedbydepth, diversity,andintellectualboldness. Hernamehasbecomesynonymous withhigh-stakesstrategy,crosssectorversatility,andprincipled advocacy.Asthefaceof Exeleon Magazine's 2025 Legal Experts to Follow issue,sherepresentsmore thanjustprofessional excellence—sheembodiesthe evolvingspiritofmodernlitigation.

A PURPOSE BORN IN THE COURTROOM

Linda'sfascinationwithadvocacybeganearly, nurturedbyhighschooldebateandmocktrial competitionsthatchallengedherintellectand sharpenedherinstincts.Butitwasthatirst experiencestandinginarealcourtroomthat changedeverything.“Itwasbothexhilarating andinspiring,”sherecalls.“Thatwasthe momentIknew.”

Theattractionwasn'tjusttotheformalityor process—itwastothepoweroflegaladvocacy itself.Asshemovedthroughcollegeandlaw school,shebecameincreasinglydrawntothe possibilityofusinglawtocreatemeaningful outcomesforclients,communities,andthe systematlarge.

“Litigationofferstheperfectblendof intellectualrigorandreal-worldproblemsolving,”Lindaexplains.“I'vealwaysbeen motivatedbytheopportunitytomakea tangibleimpact—whetherit'shelpingaclient resolvealegaldisputeorstandingupfor principlesofjustice.”

A BROAD PRACTICE WITH A STRATEGIC EDGE

Unlikemanylitigatorswhospecializein narrowlegallanes,Lindaembracesa generalistapproach,allowinghertotakeona widevarietyofcases—fromsecurities litigationtotradesecrets,patentlaw,and antitrustdisputes.Forher,thisdiversityis energizing.

“OneofthethingsIlovemostaboutmy practiceisbeingageneralist,”shesays.“It meansIneverstoplearning.”Andinthat breadth,sheindsopportunity—bringing insightsfromonelegalareaintoanother, whichoftenallowsforcreativestrategiesthat standoutinlitigation.

Thatcreativeedgehasproducedresults.In onemajorantitrustcaseadecadeago,Linda iledamotiontodismissbasedonthe plaintiff'slackofstanding.Atthetime,the

The Trial

Pressure, Purpose, and Presence

ForLinda,nopartoflitigationismore rewarding—ormore demanding—thantrial.“Preparingfor trialismyfavoritephaseofacase,” sheshares.“Theworkisintense,but it'salsowheneverythinginallycomes together.”

Herapproachtotrialpreparation balancesanalyticalfocuswithhuman connection.Despitethehighstakes, shemaintainsaphilosophythat'sboth pragmaticandpersonal:“Neverlose yoursenseofhumor,”shesays.“Trials entaillongdaysandhighpressure,but maintainingsomelevityhelpsensure youperformatyourbest.”

Lindaisalsodeeplycommittedto mentorshipduringtrial.Herirmhas auniqueprogramthatensuresevery trialteamincludesatleastone associatewhohasyettogaintrial experience—offeredatnocosttothe client.“Webelieveirsthandtrial exposureisessentialfordeveloping strongattorneys,”sheexplains.

Inthecourtroom,herfocusisonclear communicationandemotional resonance.Sheworkstodistill complexlegalconceptsintonarratives thatjuriescanunderstandandcare about.“Establishingrapportwiththe juryiskeytobuildingtrust,”shesays. “It'snotjustaboutthefacts—it's aboutmakingthejuryfeelasenseof responsibilityindeliveringafair verdict.”

Seeing a variety of approaches helps you find what works best for you.

movewasseenas unconventional—possiblytoorisky

“Otherscriticizedthemotionasa longshot,”sheadmits,“butit ultimatelyprovedtobethedecisive movethatendedthecase.”

It'sthesekindsofbold,strategic decisionsthathaveearnedLinda herreputation:shedoesn'tjust practicelaw—sheengineers outcomes.

ADAPTING TO A NEW ERA OF COMMUNICATION

Thelegalworldischanging,and Lindaisattheforefrontofthat transformation.Oneareasheis particularlyfocusedonisthe evolutionofcommunication technologiesandhowtheyaffect discovery,dataretention,and evidencepreservation.

“WhenIirststartedmycareer, emailwastheprimarymodeof communication,”sheexplains. “Nowwe'reseeingbusinesses increasinglyrelyoninstant messagingplatformslikeSlack, WhatsApp,andtextmessaging.”

Thisshiftintroducesnewrisksand responsibilities.Theseplatforms oftenlackthearchivalcapabilities ofemailandfrequentlyemploy encryptionorself-deletingfeatures. Forlitigation,thatmeansevidence canvanish—intentionallyor not—beforelawyerseverhavea chancetoreviewit.

Lindanotesthatintradesecret cases,thesetechnologiescreate especiallythornyissues.

“Inadequatesecuritymeasuresover importanttechnological developmentsmayweakenor impairacompany'sabilityto

enforceitsrightsincourt,”shesays.

Tomitigatethoserisks,she emphasizestheneedforstrong cybersecurityprotocols,thoughtful communicationpolicies,and updatedlegaltrainingwithin organizations.Shepredictsthelegal systemwillseemajorchangesin lawsarounddatasecurityand electronicdiscoveryinthecoming years,withlitigatorsplayinga centralroleinhelpingcompanies adapt.

ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Foraspiringlitigators,Linda's messageisclear:immerseyourself inthecourtroomearlyandoften. “Somelessonssimplycan'tbe learnedfromabook,”she emphasizes.

Asalawstudent,Lindaexternedfor afederaljudgeinSanJoseandlater clerkedinfederalcourtinOakland. Theserolesgaveherafront-row seattohowattorneysatallskill levelsperforminreal-world situations.Sheurgesyounglawyers toobservetrials,hearings,and arguments—evenifitmeansdoing soontheirowntime.

“Watchingdifferentattorneys deliveranopeningstatement, presentaclosingargument,or handletoughquestionsfroma judge—thoseareformative experiences,”shesays.“Seeinga varietyofapproacheshelpsyou indwhatworksbestforyou. ”

Formany,thecourtroomcanseem intimidatingatirst.Butwith exposurecomesconidence.Linda insiststhatthemoreyoung attorneysseeinaction,themore

readythey'llfeelwhenthe opportunitycomestostandupand speak.

A VOICE IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY

Inadditiontohercourtroomand clientwork,Lindaisanactivevoice inthelegalcommunity.She frequentlyspeaksatnational conferences,whereshesharesher perspectivesonemerginglegal trends,trialstrategy,andthought leadership.

“Theseengagementsarefulilling,” shesays.“Theysharpenmypractice andoffervaluableopportunitiesto learnfromothersintheield.”

Shebelievesthatstayingconnected tobroaderindustryconversations isessentialforanylitigatorlooking toremainrelevantandinnovative. Whetherit'sadaptingtonew technologies,navigatingregulatory changes,orrethinkingtraditional trialstrategies,Lindaseesthought leadershipasatwo-way exchange—bothcontributingand receiving.

LIFE BEYOND THE LAW

Outsideofherprofessionallife, Lindaindsbalanceinglobal exploration.Apassionatetraveler, sheseeksoutexperiencesthat immerseherinancientcultures andremotewildlifehabitats.

Overthepasttwodecades,shehas traveledtheglobe—fromvisiting theMoaistatuesofEasterIslandto trekkingwithgorillasinRwanda, fromwatchinglemursin Madagascartoswimmingwith whalesharksinAustralia's NingalooReef.Eachjourney,she

says,isbothinvigoratingand humbling.

“Theseexperiencesremindmethat lifeextendsfarbeyondtheofice,” sherelects.“Maintainingcuriosity abouttheworldisessential,no matterwhereyouareinlife.”

It'sthatcuriosityandsenseof

wonderthatfuelsherbothinside andoutsidethecourtroom.

LOOKING FORWARD: MILESTONES AND MOMENTUM

Havingrecentlycelebratedher50th birthday,Lindaisenteringa relectiveyetenergizingchapterof life.Sheseesthismilestoneasa

momenttotakestock—notjustof whatshe'saccomplished,butof whatliesahead.

Onechangeshe'sparticularly inspiredbyisthegrowing representationofwomenin litigation.Earlyinhercareer,she wasoftenoneoftheonlywomenat thetableduringhigh-proile trials—especiallyinintellectual propertycases.

“Ivividlyrememberajudge pointingoutthattherewasonly onewomanlawyerinamajor patentcaseinvolvingdozensof lawyers,”shesays.“Itwasastark reminderofthegendergap.”

Today,thatlandscapeischanging. Thisyear,Lindaco-ledanallwomentrialteam—anexperience shedescribesasbothempowering anddeeplyafirming.“Itfeltlikea full-circlemoment,”sherelects.“To bepartofsuchatransformative shiftissomethingI'llalwayscarry withme.”

Asshecontinuestolead,teach,and trycases,Lindaremainsoptimistic aboutthefutureoflitigation.She believesthenextgenerationoftrial lawyerswillbemorediverse,more creative,andmoreequippedtoface alegalworldinconstantmotion.

Andwithherunwavering commitmenttomentorship, innovation,andpurpose-driven practice,LindaJ.Brewerisnotonly helpingshapethatfuture—she's lightingthepathforward.

Unlock Your DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION!

Ready to fuel your ambition and receive your dose of inspiration directly to your digital doorstep?

Subscribe to Exeleon Magazine today, and enjoy the following perks:

Convenience at Your Fingertips

Access each issue on your preferred digital device anytime, anywhere.

Exclusive Extras

Dive deeper with bonus content, behind-the-scenes interviews, and special features reserved for our esteemed subscribers.

Community Connection

Join a network of likeminded individuals, share your story or interview, and be part of a thriving entrepreneurial community.

Bridging Law & Technology with Colin S. Levy

ithacareerdedicatedto demystifyingthe complexitiesoflegaltechnologyfor professionalsandlaypeoplealike, ColinS.Levyhascarvedoutaniche thatbridgesthegapbetween traditionallegalpracticeand cutting-edgetechnological advancements.

Colin'slatestbook,"TheLegalTech Ecosystem:Innovation, Advancement&theFutureofLaw Practice,"offersacomprehensive lookintothefutureoflegal services,underscoredbyhisbelief inthepowerofauthenticityand humanconnection.

InthisexclusiveinterviewColin shareshisjourneyofintegrating authenticityintoleadership,the inspirationbehindhisbook,andthe keythemesthathebelieveswill shapethefutureoflegalpractice.

What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Iviewimpactthroughthelensof authenticity.Humanswanttobe heard,theywanttobelistenedto, theywanttobeseen.Thisallboils downtoonepowerfulthing–a recognitionofourinherent humanity.Accordingly,Iseemyself andmycontentasbothsuccessful andasimpactfulifIseethatwhatI amdoingresonatesthroughthe commentsandreceptionthatIor thecontentIcreatereceives.Ihave longsoughttobesimplywhoIam–imperfectionsandall.Idonotshy

awayfromadmittingweakness, fromsharingthingsthatmakeme feeluncomfortableorthatgiveme pause.Ihavenoticedthatthese imperfectionsarenotminealoneto bearbutaresharedbyothers.This bringspeopletogether–the knowledgeofnotbeingaloneand sharingthings.

Can you provide an overview of your new book, "The Legal Tech Ecosystem: Innovation, Advancement & the Future of Law Practice," and the key themes it explores regarding the intersection of law and emerging technologies?

Theintentofthebookistoprovide thereaderwithanaccessiblenontechnicalintroductiontotheworld oflegaltech.Itfeaturesnumerous leadinginnovatorsandcreatorsin thespacetoshowthereaderwhat hasandisbeingdonewith technologytohelplawyers,legal professionals,andthoseinneedsof legalservices.Thebookexplores severalkeythemesthatunderlie legaltechincludingA)technology aloneisnotenough–itneedstobe alignedwiththebusinessandthose whowillbeusingit;B)thebreadth anddepthofthespace;andC)The interdependenceofpeople,process, andtechandhoweachcan inluenceandimpacttheothers. Pleasecheckoutthebookhere!

"The Legal Tech Ecosystem" emphasizes that technology alone is not suficient; legal departments must undergo a fundamental digital

transformation. Can you discuss the key aspects of this transformation, including rethinking structures, processes, and approaches?

Theevolvinglandscapeof technologyisbecomingacatalyst forfundamentalchangesin organizationalstructures, particularlyhighlightingthe limitationsandineficienciesof rigid,traditionalbusiness hierarchiesandsilos.Astechnology continuestoadvance,itisbecoming increasinglyclearthatbusinesses needtotransitiontowardsmore lexible,adaptivemodelsthat prioritizecross-functional collaborationandleverage technologicalinnovations.This transformationinvolvesa comprehensiveintegrationof technologicaltoolsintobusiness processes,aimingtoenhance eficiencythroughstreamliningand automation.It'snotjustaboutthe adoptionofnewtools;italso necessitatesaculturalshiftwithin organizations,wherethereisan openembraceoflearning, experimentation,andadaptability overclingingtolongstanding traditionsandhistoricalwaysof working.

Furthermore,thisshiftunderscores theimportanceofembracing GenerativeAI,atechnologythatis rapidlyreshapingthebusiness landscape.GenerativeAIisaltering howoperationsareconducted, inluencingdecision-making processes,andredeiningtheskill setsrequiredfortheworkforce.By

integratingGenerativeAIintotheir operations,businessescanunlock newlevelsofcreativity,innovation, andeficiency,ensuringthey remaincompetitiveinarapidly evolvingmarket.Thismeansbeing proactiveinunderstandingthe capabilitiesandapplicationsof GenerativeAI,andhowitcanbe leveragedtocreatevalue,solve complexproblems,andmeet emergingbusinessneeds. Ultimately,thecalltoactionfor businessesisclear:tothriveinthe digitalage,theymustbewillingto rethinktheirstructures,embrace technologicaladvancements,and fosteraculturethatisopento changeandinnovation.

As a leading voice in legal technology, what effective solutions do you see emerging to address the challenges faced by legal professionals in the current environment?

Technologyshouldbemakingyour jobeasierandmakingyoumore productive.Toolsthatcanmake thosetime-consumingtasksyou needtodoeachdaylesstimeconsumingarelikelytohavethe greatestimpact.Forexample,ifyou aretaskedwithmanagingoutside counselspend,therearetoolsto helpyoudothat.Samewithlegal researchordraftingdocuments.I wouldberemissifIdidn'tmention thatGenerativeAIhasandwill continuetomakeeachthetools thatcanhelpdothemmore powerful.

What proactive steps can legal professionals take to stay ahead of the curve in the era of Web 3.0?

Forthosewhomaynotknowwhat

Web3.0is,itisthenextevolutionof theinternetbasedon decentralization,higher interactivity,andartiicial intelligence.Asforbeingproactive whenitcomestoWeb3.0,theirst stepistolearnaboutit,whatitis, itscurrentstate,andusescasesfor it.OneofthekeyvoicesI'dsuggest turningtolearnismyfriendMitch Jackson.

Finally, what does the future look like for you, both professionally and personally? What are you most excited about?

Thefutureformeisexciting.Iseeit beingmoreevermoreinvolvedin

thelegaltechcommunitywiththe goalofinformingandinspiring others.Ipotentiallycouldpublish anotherbookortwoasthings evolve.Personally,Iamexcitedto belearningmoreandexpandingmy perspectiveandworldview.Iam,of course,mostexcitedabouttherise ofGenerativeArtiicialIntelligence andthetremendouspotentialit holdsforsomuchofsociety.

Katrina Sriranpong

Human Rights Advocate and Change-Maker

Despitewhichwalkoflifeyoucome from,everyonehasthepowerto makeadifference–thisisthe philosophyKatrinaSriranponghasfollowed fromhercareerasalegalentrepreneurto herfull-timepursuitofphilanthropyand activism.

KatrinaSriranpongisasocialadvocatewho hasmadeherlifelongmissiontomakea positivechangeintheworld.Formerlythe onlyThai-speakinglawyerinherhomeof Vancouver,BritishColumbia,shespenta signiicantportionofhercareerassisting immigrantsandrefugeesnavigatecomplex Canadianlawandpolicy.Asalawyer,shehas representedhumanrightsactivistsfrom SyriaandUkraineinclaimingrefugee protectioninCanadaaswellasotherrefugee claimantsfromIndia,Pakistan,Turkey, Mexico,ElSalvador,Honduras,Somalia, BotswanaandAlbania.Shealsoprovidedfree legaladvicetolow-incomemigrantworkers atriskoflabourexploitationandvictimsof humantraficking.Sriranponghasadeep interestinassistingvulnerablepopulations aswellasadvocatingfortherightsof childreninconlict-affectedregionsand

supportsprogramsaimedatrehabilitation, educationanddevelopmentalaidfor children.

Today,inconsiderationoftheon-going conlictbetweenIsraelandGaza,wewill discussthetopicofhumanrightsandexplore activismsinthecurrentgeneration.

What are your thoughts regarding the current conlict between Israel and Gaza?

KatrinaSriranpong:Iamextremelysaddened bytheOctober7,2023,attackoninnocent Israelicivilians,includingchildren.Iamalso equallysaddenedfortheretributive bombingsoveroneofthemostdensely populatedcitiesintheworld,Gaza,withover 2millioninnocentPalestiniancivilians,half ofwhomarechildren.

It'scrucialtogivecontexttohaveacomplete understandingofthesituation.Israelhas beencommittingveryserioushumanrights violationsagainstPalestiniansfordecades, whichhasbeendocumentedbyinternational rightsgroupssuchasAmnestyInternational andHumanRightsWatch.Forthelast75

years,Palestinianshavelivedunder oppressionandbrutality.75years ago,morethan750,000 Palestiniansbecamerefugees, almostovernight.Thismass displacementofpeoplefromtheir ancestrallandinordertocreate IsraelisknownastheNakba (meaningcatastropheinArabic). Approximately15,000Palestinians, includingwomenandchildren, werekilledbytheZionistmilitary forcesinthemassacres.

AftertheSix-DayWarin1967, IsraelillegallyoccupiedEast JerusalemandtheWestBank.Since then,Palestinianshavebeen targetedbyIsraeliauthoritieswho usediscriminatorylawstosteal Palestinianlandbyforcedevictions anddemolishtheirhomessothe landcanbegiventoJewishIsraelis. Theyhavetoliveinconstantfearof losingtheirhome.Theirlifeisilled withhumanrightsabusesanddaily discrimination.

Morerecently,Gazawasreferredto astheworld'slargest“open-air prison.”Since2007,Israelhas deprivedmorethantwomillion residentsofGazaanopportunityto abetterlife.Israel'sclosurepolicy blocksmostGazaresidentsfrom travellingtotheWestBank, preventstravellingabroadvia Israel,restrictstheirrightstowork andaneducationandprevents residentsfrompursuing opportunitieswithinPalestine. IsraelcontinuestocontrolGaza's territorialwaters,airspace,andthe movementofpeopleandgoods, exceptwhereGazaborderswith Egypt.

WhenPalestinianstriedtoorganize apeacefulprotest(the“Great MarchofReturn”from2018to 2019),over200unarmed

protestorswerekilledwithsnipers (including40children)andover 8000wereinjuredbybulletsand over150hadtohavetheirlimbs amputated.

Palestiniansarearrested,detained, andtorturedwithoutchargeforan indeiniteperiodoftime,whichis allowedunderIsraelimilitarylaw Theminimumageofcriminal responsibilityisonly12yearsold. AccordingtoHumanRightsWatch, detentioncanberenewed indeinitelybasedonsecret information,whichthedetaineeis notevenallowedtosee.Many childrenaredetained,tortured,and keptfromseeingtheirfamilies simplyforthrowingrocksatIsraeli soldiers.Israelistheonlycountry intheworldthatsystematically prosecuteschildreninmilitary courts,whichlackfundamentalfair trialrightsandprotection.

Ofcourse,Iwanttoemphasizethat theactionsbytheHamason October7,2023,werehorriicand inexcusable.However, demonstratingsupportforthe innocentciviliansofGazaand supportforPalestinianliberation shouldnotbeseenassupporting Hamasorantisemitic.Itisnot simplyaboutreligion,butthe violationofhumanrights.Harvard's formerexecutivedirectorof HarvardHillel,theUniversity's JewishCenter,Mr.BernieSteinberg, stated“forthesafetyofJewsand Palestinians,stopweaponizing antisemitism.”Asaleaderinthe Jewishcommunity,hearguesthere iscurrentlyacynicalweaponizing ofantisemitismbypowerfulforces whodesiretointimidateand silencelegitimatecriticismofIsrael andAmericanpolicyonIsrael.This takesplaceintheformofbullying pro-Palestineorganizersand

anyonethatdoesnotshow deference.Steinbergmakeshis positionclearbystatingthat“itis notantisemitictodemandjustice forallPalestinianslivingintheir ancestrallands.”Hegoesonto explainthatifIsrael'scaserequires categorizingitscriticsas antisemitic,thenithasalready admitteddefeat.Thisdoesnot implythatantisemitismdoesnot exist,itsimplymeansthatitcannot beusedtosilencedissentofIsraeli policies.Fabricatingfaircriticismof Israelipoliciesasantisemiticalso underminestheightagainst genuineantsemitismintheworld.

Unfortunately,Israelhascriticized AmnestyInternationalas“biased” andaspokespersonfortheIsraeli MinistryofForeignAffairshas statedpubliclythat“Amnesty Internationalisanantisemitic organization”simplybecausethey claimedwarcrimeshadbeen committedby“allparties.”Amnesty Internationalhasalsolabelled Israel'streatmentofPalestiniansas apartheidandacruelsystemof dominationandacrimeagainst humanity.TheUnitedNationshas evenbeenlabelledasantisemitic simplybecausetheydemanda ceaseiretopreventfurthercivilian casualties.

It'simportanttounderstandthat thelawsinIsraelaredesignedto discriminateanddispossess Palestiniansoftheirlandand repressanydissent.Thisisan apartheidasconirmedbyevery majorinternationalhumanrights organisationincludingtheUnited Nations.Itviolatesinternational lawandbreacheshumanrights. Palestinianswantatwo-state solution.Netanyahusaid,“Israelis notastateofallitscitizens[but rather]thenation-stateofthe

Jewishpeopleandonlythem.”

Regardingthecurrentwaron Hamas,thequeenofJordanstated thatyoucankillthecombatants, butnotthecause.Theremustbean endtooppressionandapartheid. Wherethereisoppression,there willalwaysberesistance.

How are human rights being affected during the war?

KatrinaSriranpong:Duringan armedconlict,therespectfor humanrightsbecomesevenmore essential.Childrenstillhavethe righttoattendschoolduringwar andpeoplestillhavetherightto healthcare,foodandcleanwater Thestatesinvolvedstillhaveaduty torespectandprotecttherightsof allindividuals.Certainhuman rightsaresoimportantthatthey canneverbesuspendedor changed,evenduringanarmed conlict.Forexample,therightto life,prohibitionagainsttorture, prohibitionagainstslavery, requirementsofafairtrial,freedom ofthought,conscienceandreligion oryourbelief,prohibitionsagainst takinghostages,andmedicalcare aswellasaccesstofood,shelter, andsafewaterareessentialhuman rights.

Therefore,evenintimesofwar, statesareboundbyhumanrights duties.However,intimesofwar, otherlawswillbegintoapplyto regulateallparties:international humanitarianlaw.International humanitarianlawareasetofrules toprotectciviliansorpeoplewho arenolongertakingpartinthe ightingorhostilities.It'salso importanttoemphasizethat internationalhumanitarianlaware non-reciprocal,meaningthatthe violationoftheserulesbyoneparty doesnotjustifytheopposingside

breakingtheirownobligations underinternationalhumanitarian law

Internationalhumanitarianlaw outlinesfortheprotectionof civilians,children,hospitals,and schools.Italsorequirespartiesto respecttheprincipleof proportionality,wheretheharm causedtociviliansbecauseofa militaryattackshouldnotbe excessiveinrelationtothedirect militaryadvantageexpected.In otherwords,disproportionate attacksisconsideredawarcrime. Further,internationalhumanitarian lawrequiresthepartiestoabideby theprincipleofdistinction,where theymustensuretargetsare militaryandnotcivilian.Attackson civilianssuchasdoctors, humanitarianaidworkers, journalistsandchildrenaswellas civilianobjectsareconsideredwar crimes.

Israelinstructed1.1millionpeople wholivedintheNorthofGazato evacuateduringintensebombings whilecuttingoffelectricity,food, water,fuelandhumanitarian assistance.Theyviolated internationalhumanitarianlaw Theseevacuationordersagainst wholecitiesorregionsarenot consideredeffective.Israel disregardedtheobligationto distinguishbetweenmilitary objectivesandcivilianobjectsas wellastheprohibitionon indiscriminateattacks.These “evacuations”areaformof collectivepunishmentandviolates internationalhumanitarianlaw, whichmayamounttowarcrimes.

HumanRightsWatchhasalso documentedtheuseofwhite phosphorusbyIsraelinGaza,which isnotallowedtobeusedatorin

closeproximitytopopulated civilianregions.Whitephosphorus createsadensesmokescreenand causesexcruciatingburnsputting civiliansatriskofseriousandlongterminjuries.Theuseofwhite phosphorusbyIsraelinsucha denselypopulatedareamagniies theriskofciviliancasualtiesand injuriesandviolatesinternational humanitarianlaw

Also,evacuatingciviliansfroma regionwiththeintenttoclearing theareaandpreventingresidents toreturnhomeaftertheconlictis consideredawarcrimeandcrimes againsthumanity.Inotherwords,if thepeopleofGazachoosetoleave theirhomeduringthewar,they mustbeallowedtoreturn. Understandably,manyciviliansin Gazaareworriedtheymaynotbe abletoreturnhomeastheywere forcefullydisplacedintheNakbaof 1947to1949.Ithinktheworld needstokeepacloseeyeonthis situationtoensureitdoesnot happenagain.

UNICEFoficial,Mr.JamesElder, reportedthehiddendangerof“safe zones”inGaza".Forsafezonestobe safe,theymust,bylaw,provide water,food,shelter,andmedical supplies.Also,UN'schildrelief agencystressedthatforsafezones toprovideprotection,peoplehave tobeabletosafetygettothem. Unfortunately,throughoutthewar onGaza,theIsraelimilitaryhas repeatedlyinstructedPalestinians toevacuatetothese“safezones,” andthenlaterbombthoseareasas wellastheevacuationroutes.Asa result,UNICEFbelievesthatonlya ceaseirecansavethechildrenas thereisnosafeplaceinGaza.

Recently,AmnestyInternational's investigationhasrevealedthat therewerenomilitaryobjectiveson somesitesthatwerebombed, whichraisesconcernsthatsome strikesweredirectattackson civiliansoroncivilianobjects. Further,AmnestyInternational arguesthatindiscriminateattacks ordirectattacksonciviliansor civilianobjectsmustbe investigatedaswarcrimes.In addition,starvationisbeingusedas aweaponofwaragainstGaza civilians.Hospitalshavealsobeen targeted,preventingthousands fromgettinglife-savingmedical care.TheWashingtonPostfound therewasnoevidencebehind Israel'sassertionthatHamasused Al-Shifahospitalasacommand center.ANewYorkTimes investigationconirmedthatIsrael bombedsafezoneswhereittold civilianstoevacuate.Forensic Architecture,aresearchagency basedattheUniversityofLondon investigatinghumanrights violationsaroundtheworld, revealedthathospitalsinGazawere beingsystematicallytargetedby Israel.

OverathousandchildreninGaza havehadtheirlimbsamputated withoutanesthesiaduetothelack ofmedicalcare.Gazahasbeen turnedintoaslaughterhousein thismilitarymismatch.Todate (December2023),over20,000 Palestinianshavebeenkilled,with approximately8,800ofthembeing childrenand6,300ofthembeing women.However,thereismore than7,000missingandbelievedto beundertherubble.

Mr.CraigMokhiber,formerDirector oftheNYOficeoftheUNHigh CommissionerforHumanRights wrotethatthesituationinGazaisa “text-bookcaseofgenocide.”He arguedthe“European,ethnonationalist,settlercolonialproject inPalestinehasentereditsinal phase”towardtheexpedited destructionofthelastindigenous PalestinianlifeinPalestine.He foundithorriicthattheUnited States,theUnitedKingdom,and muchofEuropewascomplicitto thisassault.Thesecountriesarenot onlyrefusingtomeettheir obligationsfortheGeneva Conventions,buttheyareactually providinginancialsupport, intelligence,andpoliticalcoverfor Israel'satrocitieswhileIsraelis committingwarcrimes.

Israelhaspubliclystatedtheir intenttokillinnocentcivilians, whichhasbeenwelldocumented. MeiravBen-Ari,anIsraelipolitician, said,“ThechildrenofGazahave broughtthisuponthemselves,”and DanielHagari,IsraelDefenceForces AdmiralandIDFspokesperson, said,“Theemphasisisondamage andnotaccuracy”AstheformerUN HighCommissionerforHuman Rightsstated,usuallythemost dificultpartaboutproving genocideisintentbecausetherehas

tobeanintenttodestroyinwhole, orinpart,aparticulargroup.But, inthiscase,theIsraeli government'sintenthasbeen publiclyandexplicitlystatedbythe primeminister,bythepresident,by seniorpoliticians,andbytheir militaryleaders.It'sonpublic recordandthereforeveryeasyto prove.

IbelievethatPalestineisadaily testfortheconscienceoftheworld. Genocideisnotself-defenceand genocidecanonlypersistthrough silence.Bysharinginformation,you sparkconversationandencourage peopletoawakentheirmoral conscience,compellingthemto speakupandadvocatefor humanity.

How do you think the voice of the younger generation is affecting our society in consideration of the current situation?

KatrinaSriranpong:Well,whenwe discussthevoiceoftheyounger generation,it'simportantto understandtheimpactofthedigital age,whichhassigniicantlyaffected thespreadofinformationandthe abilitytomobilizeacause.The digitalagehaschangedsocial activismforever.

IdeinemyselfasamillennialasI wastheirstgenerationtogrowup withtheinternet.We'reconsidered theirstglobalgenerationand heavilyrelyontheinternet,mobile devicesandsocialmedia.Digital technologyhashadadramatic impactonpoliticalengagement. Ordinarypeoplecanbeacatalyst forsocialchangeandparticipatein thepoliticalprocesswellbeyond voting.Theycanmobilizeothersto getinvolvedbysharing information,raisefundsfora

speciicmovement,andorganize protests.However,thedigital environmentcomeswith consequencesthatwemustallbe awareofsuchas“fakenews,” misinformation,disinformation, andhatespeech,whichiscommon inthedigitalpublicsphere.For instance,Israelisocialmediaspace hasbeenabreedinggroundfor anti-Palestinianmovement referringtoPalestiniansas “animals”or“dogs”withoutthe historicalcontext.TheIDFis postingtheirownkillings,showing bodies,togainsupportfortheir lackofprogressinthewar.Whereas thesamevideosmaybeusedto documentwarcrimes.

ThewarinGazahasbeena signiicantpointforthemedia ecosystem.Socialmediaallowsus toseethebrutalityandgenocideof innocentciviliansinGaza,manyof themchildren,directlyfromthe source.FamiliesinGazaaresharing personalstoriesofpainand sufferingaswellasjournalistson thegroundcoveringtheatrocities, andbeingtargetedbyIsraelfor doingso,asreportedbyAmnesty InternationalinDecember2023.

Theyoungergenerationhas learnedtoquestionandbecritical ofsourcesofinformation.The complicityofsomanyWestern newsoutletsarebeingrealizedas theyhavebeenrepeatedlyexposed forfailingtoquestionIsraeli propagandabeforespreadingthe disinformation.Thereisan abundanceofdisinformation publishedtodefendthe indefensible.AlthoughIsraelisa democraticcountry,therehas alwaysbeenaseverelimittofree speechofpro-Palestinianviews. Israelhasalsoimposed communicationblackoutsinGaza,

whichpreventspeoplefrom sharinganddocumentinghuman rightsviolationssuchas disproportionateforcebythe military.Imposinginternet shutdownsandrestrictionsarea humanrightsissue.

Currently,over80percentof democraticvotersintheU.S.wanta ceaseireandtheyounger generationfeelthatpoliticiansare notlisteningtotheirconcerns.The youngergenerationisalso cognizantofthefactthat weaponizingantisemitismhas becomepartofapoliticalgameto silencedissent.YoungerCanadians aremoreinclinedtoviewIsrael's offensiveinGazaasexcessiveand disproportional.Socialmedia inluencershaveprovidedour generationwithanewuniltered lensontheGazawar.Theybecome themediawiththepoweroftheir phonetoinluencemillions.They helptoshapethenarrativesand signiicantlychangedour understandingandperceptionon warsandconlicts.Socialmedia platformsprovideanew perspectiveofreal-time,uniltered contentthatisimmediate, uncensored,andoftenveryraw TheseplatformssuchasInstagram, SnapchatandTikTokallowviewers worldwidetowitnessconlicts throughadifferentviewpointthat traditionalmediadoesnotcover. Thischangehasrevolutionized grassroots-levelnarrativeand activisms.

Forinstance,JewishVoicesfor Peacehashadastrongpresenceon socialmediaandhasincreasedthe amountoffollowersexponentially inthelastseveralyears.Theyare thelargestprogressiveJewishantiZionistorganizationintheworld. Theyfocusongrassroots

movementstosupportthe Palestinianstruggleforfreedom. ZionismsuggestthatJewsrequirea supremacistnationstatetosecure thesafetyofallJews.However, JewishVoicesforPeacearguethat Jewsbelongeverywhereinthe worldandshouldbesafe.They advocatethatrealsafetydoesnot growfromguns,checkpoints,walls oramilitarystate.Theybelieve truesafetyforJewsisbuiltby forgingrealsolidaritywithallthose ightingforamoreliberatedworld.

In1997,NelsonMandelasaid,“We knowtoowellthatourfreedomis incompletewithoutthefreedomof thePalestinians.”Hewasachange maker.However,Iwoulddeinea changemakerasanyonewhois willingtoimplementandadvocate forchangeregardlessofthe consequencesitmayentail.These mayincludebloggers,scholaractivists,andsocialmedia inluencerswhoareabletoshape thenarrativeofIsrael'swaronGaza andexposethetruthofthe systemicoppression,domination, dispossessionoverivedecadesof occupation,the16-yearblockade onGaza,theapartheidregime, humanrightsabuses,andwar crimes.Thecrimescommittedby Palestinianarmedgroupson October7,2023cannotjustify Israel'scollectivepunishmentof indiscriminateordisproportionate bombingofinnocentciviliansin Gaza,halfofthembeingchildren. Thereisnojustiicationforwar crimes.

Making a Difference

Interview with Deanna Johnson

Deanna Johnson's journey from attorney and Chief Compliance Ocer to CEO of Foundation Title & Escrow Services, LLC, embodies her dedication to making a meaningful dierence in the legal and title industry.

What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your legal practice?

Tome,beingimpactfulmeansmakinga meaningfulandlastingdifferenceinthe livesofothersorthecommunity.Connecting withothersbothprofessionallyand personallyhelpsmebeimpactfulby fosteringcollaboration,sharingknowledge, andbuildingrelationships.Through meaningfulinteractions,Icanunderstand theneedsandperspectivesofindividuals, tailoringmyresponsesandassistance accordingly.Inlegalpractice,thistranslates toadvocatingforjustice,upholdingtherule oflaw,andeffectivelyrepresentingclients' interests.

Tointegratethisthoughtintomylegal practiceandmyprofessionalcareer,I prioritizeunderstandingmyclients'and employees'needsandconcernsthoroughly, providingthemwithknowledgeableand strategicadvice.Additionally,Istriveto contributepositivelytothelegalprofession andtitlecommunitybyparticipatinginpro bonoworkandservicingavarietyofboards andcommitteeswithintheindustry.

Can you share the story of your journey with Foundation Title & Escrow Services, LLC, from your initial role as an attorney and Chief Compliance Oficer to becoming the CEO in 2022?

Certainly!MyjourneywithFoundationTitle &EscrowServices,LLCbeganwhenIjoined thecompanyasanattorneyandlateras ChiefComplianceOficer.Inthisrole,Iwas

responsibleforensuringthatthe companycompliedwithall relevantlawsandregulations governingthetitleandescrow industryaswellascomplying withALTABestPractices.I workedcloselywiththe executiveteamandoversaw routineaudits.

AsIimmersedmyselfinthe operationsofthecompany,I becameincreasinglypassionate aboutitsmissionandthe opportunitiesforgrowthand innovationwithintheindustry.I consistentlydemonstrated leadership,strategicthinking, andastrongcommitmentto excellenceincustomerservice.

Overtime,mycontributions wererecognizedbytheexecutive team,andIwasgiventhe opportunitytotakeon additionalresponsibilitiesand leadershiproleswithinthe company.Throughhardwork, dedication,andafocuson drivingresults,Iwasableto demonstratemycapabilitiesasa leaderandcontributetothe company'ssuccess.

In2022,Iwashonoredtobe appointedastheCEOof FoundationTitle&Escrow Services,LLC.Inthisrole,Iam committedtobuildingonthe strongfoundationestablishedby mypredecessorsandleadingthe companytonewheightsof success.Iamexcitedaboutthe opportunitiesandchallenges thatlieahead,andIam conidentthatwiththesupport ofourtalentedteam,wewill continuetothriveandachieve ourgoals.

Ultimately, I believe that embracing diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do ethically, but it also makes good business sense. By harnessing the power of diverse perspectives and talents, we can drive innovation, foster creativity, and achieve sustainable growth and success for our organization and the communities we serve.

As a female CEO in the title industry, your journey serves as a powerful narrative. How do you perceive the role of diversity and inclusion in the corporate landscape, and what impact do you hope to make as a female leader?

AsafemaleCEOinthetitle industry,Irecognizethe importanceofdiversityand inclusioninthecorporate landscape.Diversitybrings differentperspectives, experiences,andideastothe table,whichcanleadtomore innovativesolutions,better decision-making,andultimately, improvedbusinessperformance. Inclusionensuresthatall individualsfeelvalued, respected,andempoweredto contributetheirbestwork, regardlessoftheirbackground oridentity.

Iperceivemyroleasafemale leaderasanopportunityto championdiversityand inclusionwithinmyorganization andthebroaderindustry.Istrive tocreateaculturewhere everyonefeelswelcomeand supported,wheremeritocracy thrives,andwherebarriersto advancementareremoved.Iam committedtofosteringan environmentwhereindividuals fromdiversebackgroundscan thriveandreachtheirfull potential.

Additionally,Ihopetoserveasa rolemodelandmentorforother womenaspiringtoleadership positionsinthetitleindustry andbeyond.Bysharingmyown experiences,offeringsupport

andguidance,andadvocatingfor genderequalityanddiversityin leadership,Iaimtoinspireand empowerthenextgenerationof femaleleaders.

In your role as CEO, how do you deine success for Foundation Title & Escrow Services, and what goals or milestones are you working towards for the company's continued growth?

AsCEOofFoundationTitle& EscrowServices,Ideinesuccess asachievingexcellencein customerservice,maintaininga strongreputationintheindustry forreliabilityandintegrity,and consistentlyexceedinginancial targets.Someofthegoalsand milestonesIamworkingtowards forthecompany'scontinued growthincludeexpandingour marketpresenceintonewregions, increasingourmarketsharewithin existingmarkets,enhancing technologicalcapabilitiesto streamlineprocessesandimprove eficiency,andinvestingin professionaldevelopmentto ensureourteamremainsatthe forefrontofindustrytrendsand bestpractices.

Finally, what is your vision going forward for Foundation Title & Escrow Services? What are you most excited about?

MyvisionforFoundationTitle& EscrowServicesgoingforwardis tocontinueandgrowourposition asatrustedleaderinthetitleand escrowindustrywhilecontinuing toinnovateandadapttomeetthe evolvingneedsofourclientsand themarket.Iamcommittedto fosteringacultureofexcellence,

I am most excited about the opportunities for growth and innovation that lie ahead. I see tremendous potential for leveraging technology to streamline processes, enhance eciency, and improve the customer experience.

integrity,andinnovationwithin ourorganization,whereourteam membersareempoweredtoexcel, ourclientsreceiveexceptional service,andourcommunities beneitfromourcontributions.

Iamalsoexcitedaboutthe prospectofexpandingourmarket presenceintonewregionsand exploringnewserviceofferingsto betterserveourclients'needs.

Furthermore,Iamenthusiastic aboutthechancetocontinue investinginourteam's professionaldevelopmentand fosteringadiverseandinclusive workplacewhereeveryonehasthe

opportunitytothriveandsucceed. Bystayingtruetoourcorevalues andembracingchangeand innovation,Iamconidentthat FoundationTitle&Escrow Serviceswillcontinuetothriveand makeapositiveimpactinthe industryandthecommunitieswe serve.

BHeart Law

Interview with Carolyn Bellof

ynavigatingtheintricateandoften emotionallychargedspaceoffamily law,CarolynBellofbringsauniqueblendof compassion,expertise,andleadershiptoher roleastheManagingPartneratStallard& Bellof,PLLC

InthisexclusiveinterviewwithExeleon Magazine,theimpactfulleadershares insightsintoherleadershipphilosophy,the genesisofherpartnershipwithafellow hockeymomturnedbusinesspartner,and theguidingprinciplesthathavesteered theirirmthroughadecadeofserviceand growth.

What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Apersonmakesanimpactonothersby beingoutgoing,sharingoneselfwithothers bybeingopenandhonestandbringing othersintoone'snetwork.Inbeingaleader atmyirmorintheorganizationsIbelong to,Itrytomakeothersfeelwelcomedanda partoftheorganizationandtheirm. Employeesneedtofeelliketheyaremore thanjustaworkertomeandinfact,the

peoplethatworkformearesomuchmore thanjustpeoplethatcangetthejobdone. Peoplemakeourirmwhatitis-theymatter bothatworkandoutsideofwork.Iwantto makesurethattheyarewellsupportedin theirlives.Therelationshipsthatwehave witheachotherallowustoserveourclients betterbecauseifeveryonefeelslikethey matterandthattheybelong,theycando theirjobtothebestoftheirability

Can you share the story of how Stallard & Bellof, PLLC was established? What inspired you to start your own family law practice in Charlotte, NC?

MylawpartnerandIkneweachother becauseoursonshadplayedhockeywith eachotherforyears.Ihadbeenastay-athomemomandmylawpartnerhadbeen practicingfamilylawforafewyears.She wantedtostartherownirmandIwanted togobacktowork.Itseemedtobeaperfect itbecausewekneweachotherandliked eachotherbutwewerenotclosefriends. Webothwantedtomakeadifferenceandto helppeoplegoingthroughdificulttimes.

You've been in business with your partner for ten years. How did you navigate any initial disagreements or challenges in the partnership, and what strategies have contributed to the longevity of your partnership?

Mylawpartnerhadbeen envisioningstartingairmfora numberofyears,soshehadanidea ofwhatneededtobedonetoget started.IwaswillingtolearnNorth CarolinafamilylawandIwas willingtodothelitigationwork. Thebiggeststrugglesatthe beginningweresimplyiguringout howtogetclientsinthedoor

Aswebeganworkingwitheach other,webegantolearnabouteach other'spersonalities.Wequickly realizedthatwehaveopposite personalitiesandsometimesthatis greatbecausethingsthatsheexcels atIdonotandviceversa.That, however,canbetremendously frustratingifyoudonotunderstand whytheotherpersondoesthe thingstheydo.Weeachhadtolearn whytheotherpersondidthings thatdrovetheotherpersoncrazy. Onceweeachrealizedhowthe otherpersondealtwithstruggles andthecopingstrategyoftheother, itbecameeasier.Beingina partnershipislikebeingina marriage.Thereisatremendous amountofgiveandtakeandwe eachneedtorespecttheother person.Ithinkthebiggestthing thathaskeptustogetheristrust. Family law often involves unique and emotionally charged cases. Can you recount one or two particularly memorable or challenging cases that stand out

in your career?

Oneoftheirstlitigatedcases involvedaclientwhoseex-wife wantedtomovemanystatesaway withtheirchildren.Ourclientupto thatpointhadhischildrenfora weekatatimeeveryotherweek. Theex-wifehadmarriedaman withalotofmoney,andtheywere payingaveryseasonedattorneyto representthem.Wespentan incredibleamountoftime preparingforthattrialandwewon. Wewereabletokeeptheex-wife fromtakingthechildrentoanother state.Itwasagreatoutcomeforour client

How do you navigate the emotional aspects of family law cases, considering the unpredictability and sensitivity of the issues involved?

Weunderstandthateveryoneof ourclientscomestousattheirvery worsttime.Theyoftenneedalotof understandingandgrace.Because emotionsarehigh,theyoftenneed

tobetoldthingsseveraltimes beforetheycanprocessthe informationwearegivingthem.We alsorealizethatwecannotsolveall ofourclient'sproblems.Wecan givethemadviceandhelpthemas bestaspossiblegivingthelegal processthatisinplace,butwe cannotalwaysgettheoutcomethat theclientwants.

Finally, what is your vision going forward for your irm? What are you most excited about?

Weareveryexcitedtocontinueto grow.Wearebeginningto representpeopleinSouthCarolina aswellasNorthCarolina.Welook forwardtohiringanotherattorney thisyeartocontinuetoassist peoplegoingthroughthedivorce process.Wearealsoexcitedto teachnewerattorneyshowto practicefamilylawandtolitigate.

Brandon Dorsky

Navigating the Crossroads of Law and Cannabis

BrandonDorsky'suniqueblendof creativity,legalexpertise,and entrepreneurialspirithaspositionedhim asanestablishedleaderinintellectual propertymanagementwithintherapidly evolvingcannabissector.

Ashenavigatesthecomplexitiesofthis industry,Dorsky'sdedicationtofostering innovationandprotectingtherightsof creativesisevidentinhiscontributions andfutureaspirations.

InthisexclusiveinterviewofBrandon Dorsky,weexplorehisearlyinluences, pivotalcareertransitions,andhisoutlook onthefutureofintellectualpropertylawin thecannabisindustry.

What according to you makes one impactful? How do you integrate the same thought into your leadership?

Animpactfulleaderiscapableof motivatingotherstounitearounda commongoal,task,orevent.Moreover,an impactfulleaderfacilitatesothers,thereby bringingtheirbesteffortandenergyto thatinitiative.

Withrespecttomyownleadershipstyle,I

investtimeinprojectsthatarepurpose drivenandcommunicateeffectivelyto utilizemyteam'scommitmenttoandbelief intheunifyingpurposeasfuelthatignites theirire.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader / entrepreneur that you can remember?

IgrewupintheMidwest,andsomeofmy earliestmemoriesfromchildhoodinvolve beingastudentandcreatingandselling mixtapestomyclassmates.

Inthe90s,Iusedtomakecustomizedparty mixtapesormixCDs,illedwithhip-hop andsoulmusic,soldthemaroundcampus, andbecameknownasamusically knowledgeableindividualwithinmy community.WhenIwasafreshmenand sophomoreinhighschool,Iwasclass presidentandIleveragedsomeofthat musicalknowledgetodrivemyelection campaigns.

IrememberusingNotoriousB.I.G.lyrics fromhissong“OneMoreChance”aspartof myre-electioncampaignmysophomore yearandpromisingthestudentbodythatI

wouldreplacewaterfountainswith soda,thatthevendingmachines wouldbeilledwithcandyandthat Iwouldhostavictorypartyatmy opponent'shouse.

AlthoughIfailedtodeliveronmany ofmyloftyhigh-schoolcampaign initiatives,Ilearnedalotabouthow toeffectivelycommunicatethrough myeffortsasbothaDJanda memberofstudentgovernment

What motivated you to transition from representing artists to focusing on intellectual property in the cannabis industry?

IbecameanattorneybecauseI wantedtorepresentandworkwith artistsandcreatives.Iconsider myselfacreativethatdidnot believeIwouldfeedafamilywith mycreativepursuits,soItookon lessriskandpursuedalawdegree instead.

AlthoughIwasdrawntorepresent musicartistsbecauseIlovemusic,I haveanappetiteandgeneral admirationforrepresentingparties thathaveahighertoleranceforrisk thanme,whichrealistically includespeoplewithinthecannabis industry.Ialsoconsidercannabis entrepreneursatypeofartists themselves,andsothetransition didnotreallyfeellikeaseismic changetome.

Iwasmotivatedtomigrateaway fromrepresentingtalentandto focusonotherbusinessesdealing withintellectualproperty,including thecannabisindustry.Afteroneof theirstartistsIdiscovered,and whomIhadhelpedachieve internationalsuccessthatmost artistswoulddreamof,was poachedandtheartistthereafter

I have been responsible for work that individually and collectively helped elevate the perception of the value of intellectual property rights within the cannabis industry. The cumulative impact of perceived value may have helped fuel greater valuations or capital raises, or even inuenced how nancial resources were allocated for intellectual property management.

attemptedtonotpaymethe percentagewehadagreedto.

Aftergoingthroughthatlegalbattle andfeelingunderappreciatedand exposedtoasimilarsituation repeatingitselfwithothertalentsI represented,Isoughtoutdifferent clientsandindustrieswhereI thoughtmyskillsandexpertise wouldbevalued.Moreover,Icould beinthepositionofgenerally havingmoreexperiencethanothers sothatIwouldbelesslikelytohave clientspoached.Seekingclients withinthecannabisindustryto providelegalservicestothemwas not

Being recognized by various bar associations and industry publications, how do you think your contributions have impacted the perception of intellectual property management in the cannabis industry?

SomeoftheworkIhavedoneinthe cannabisindustryhelpedseveral brandsgrowfrominfancytomajor marketpresence,andthe foundationoftheworkwasbased inintellectualpropertystrategy TheIPstrategiesIdevelopedthat thosebusinessesdeployedhave sincebeenadoptedbyothers withintheindustry,includinghow

businessesregister,positionand policeintellectualpropertyrights, andhownewIPisintroducedinto andmanagedwithinthesupply chain.

Severaloftheindustry'sgreatest successstoriesrevolvearoundthe developmentandcultivationof strongintellectualpropertyrights. Presently,themostactivelitigator intheUnitedStates,isabusiness thatmakesancillaryproductsfor thecannabisindustryandenforces theirintellectualpropertyrights, andnotonlywasIinstrumentalin developingtheirintellectual propertystrategyintheirst severalyearsoftheirexistence,but

thebusinesshasgoneontodevelop andaccumulateaveryvaluable intellectualpropertyportfolioof bothtrademarksandpatents.

What excites you the most about the future of intellectual property law within the cannabis industry?

WhenevertheshacklesofSchedule Iclassiicationareremoved,andthe opportunitytodoreliableand repeatablestudiesinvolving cannabishassigniicantlyless governmentredtape,thereisgoing tobeanexplosioninresearch surroundingcannabis,andthe subsequentintellectualproperty

thatisdevelopedfromthat researchcouldchangethefutureof medicineandtheworld.

Finally, what is your vision going forward on a personal front? What are you most excited about?

Myvisiongoingforwardisto continuetobethebestBrandonI canbeandstrivetomakeanimpact eachday,whilenotforgettingthat tomorrowisnotagiven.Iwill continuetotryandbeofserviceof othersandcontinuetopaveand cleartheroadforthecreative community,bothinsideandoutside ofcannabis,foryearstocome.

Iamexcitedaboutnotonly emergingmarketsforcannabis,and thepossibilitiesforFRUITSLABS andotherbrandsIworkwithto growintonewmarkets,including butnotlimitedtoNewYork,but alsothedevelopmentof consumptionloungesand immersivecannabisexperiences.I amalsoreallyexcitedaboutsome thingsonthehorizonformyother businessventures,includingsome creativecollaborationsbetween YeastieBoysandothers,therelease ofadditionalissuesofBelow Sycamore,agraphicnovelseriesI haveworkedonextensively,andthe releaseoftheirstepisodeofa docuseriesthatIshotwithHigh ThreadCount,LLCinOaxacainlate 2023.