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Royal Attorney Elaine Reall Co-Hosted a Panel on the Cannabis Industry at NAMWOLF Annual Meeting

September 30, 2024

Attorney Elaine Reall, Chief Legal Officer at The Royal Law Firm spoke at a national conference in Atlanta, GA on cannabis law. Elaine, along with Radhi Shah of Zuber Lawler LLP and Lucia de Vernai of Trulieve, Inc., discussed the ethics and legalities surrounding the growing cannabis industry. The National Association of Women and Minority Owned Law Firm 2024 annual meeting was held in Atlanta, GA from September 15-18.

 

While speaking on this panel, Elaine provided insight into the product liability and consumer misrepresentation in this popular industry many are finding themselves investing in. Navigating the legalities around any industry can prove challenging, but a new industry with such rapid growth presents a unique set of questions and challenges that require guidance. Strategies for mitigating risks related to evolving state laws, the FDA’s stance, CBD uncertainties and vaping concerns were discussed along with guidelines for how business stakeholders should navigate legal risks effectively.

 

Elaine served as city solicitor for Northampton, Massachusetts while the first dispensaries were establishing themselves in the city. Due to her municipal experience with regard to the cannabis industry, she has a unique set of qualifications and knowledge that can be used to guide cannabis industry professionals.

 

If you would like to learn more about the cannabis industry on the employer/owner side, join Elaine on October 16th for a Royal seminar on a regulatory overview and discussion of the impact on cannabis on workplace rules and procedures. This seminar is perfect for H.R. professionals and anyone in a management position as well as cannabis dispensary owners/managers.

 

If you or your business have questions regarding the cannabis industry, Elaine can be reached at ereall@theroyallawfirm.com or by calling our office at (413) 586-2288.

Royal was Proud to Sponsor the 2025 BusinessWest Difference Makers Event!

April 10, 2025
Though the Difference Makers event has come to a close, let's continue to shine a light on the transformative power of giving back to our community! Every year, The Royal Law Firm is humbled to be a part of this incredible event that spotlights the brightest stars in our community. We can't wait to celebrate the 2026 Difference Makers and the boundless impact they'll have!

Appellate Court Affirms ADA Right to Accommodation

April 9, 2025
The United States District Court for the Northern District of New York issued an order granting summary judgment in favor of the Defendant, a school district, in a claim brought pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Court agreed that the Plaintiff, a teacher, did not qualify for accommodation under the ADA because she could perform her job fully without the accommodation. It was agreed upon that her job functions could be performed but under “great duress and harm.” The Plaintiff appealed this decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The Court disagreed with the USDC NY decision, stating that “an employee may qualify for a reasonable accommodation even if she can perform the essential functions of her job without the accommodation.” For Employers This ruling reminds us that the crux of the ADA is if the accommodation is reasonable, aimed at mitigating disability related limitations, and does not place an undue burden on the employer, the employer is expected to fulfill that accommodation. Every request for accommodation should be looked at on a case-by-case basis. A broad metric should not be how a business decides if it should allow any requests for ADA accommodation(s). The attorneys at The Royal Law Firm are dedicated to helping employers navigate ADA accommodations and interpretations in their day-to-day practice and handbooks. If your business has any questions on this topic or any other matters, please do not hesitate to contact the attorneys at The Royal Law Firm at 413-586-2288.
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