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Podcast

A Paralegal’s Journey Into the Multi-Million Dollar Cannabis Industry with Samantha Misch

32:05 min

Every single organization in the world needs a regulatory body that monitors compliance and ethics. Even cannabis companies. In this riveting episode of Between the Briefs by Steno, hosts Adrian Cea and Joe Stephens welcome Samantha Misch, Senior Paralegal at Green Thumb Industries, for an insightful discussion on navigating the evolving intersection of law and cannabis compliance.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The unique skills it takes to make it as a paralegal in today’s tech-driven world 

  • Why the role of a paralegal is crucial to the business of cannabis today 

  • How to walk the line between traditional legal work and emerging technologies 

  • How to approach and keep up with regulatory changes in the cannabis industry 

  • The valuable strategies for career advancement in legal operations

  • Using technology to drive your growth as a paralegal, regardless of where you are in your career 

  • Why the human element is a non-negotiable for paralegals today 

 

Tune in to explore the fascinating intersection of law and the cannabis industry, and the equally fascinating role of paralegals in it all.

Quotes:

  1. "I think it's important for paralegals to be able to know a little bit of everything. I don't think you need to be a master of all things, but you need to have familiarity with a broad range of topics to be successful."

  2. "AI cannot replace a paralegal. It could definitely streamline some processes and maybe help with creating a more efficient workload, but it can't replace the person that has to pick up the phone and talk to a client."

  3. "The paralegals are the backbone or the silent helper in the room, and oftentimes, I feel like they have more of the small detailed knowledge that maybe the attorneys don't get a chance to see."

  4. "I always tell people that I wouldn't jump to just a paralegal role. There's so many other roles that you can have, like a legal assistant or even a legal secretary. It's a really good way to get your foot in the door, get the experience, and understand how processes work."

Highlights

00:00
Introduction to Between the Briefs 

00:44
From Night School to Senior Paralegal: Sam’s Career Journey

02:07
The Power of Transparency in Professional Growth

03:14
The Multifaceted Role of Modern Paralegals

05:39
Leading the Illinois Paralegal Association

07:30
Technology's Impact on the Paralegal Profession

About the Contributors

Joe Stephens

Joe Stephens, J.D., is Steno's Director of Legal Solutions as well as a Clinical Lecturer at Texas Tech University School of Law. With over 15 years of experience in criminal defense and public service, he founded and led Texas' largest rural public defender office, which serves a 12-county area. A graduate of The University of Texas School of Law (cum laude) and Vanderbilt University (B.A.), Stephens currently serves as a Board Member of the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyer's Association (TCDLA) and sits on multiple State Bar of Texas committees. His expertise spans the intersection of legal practice and technological innovation in the justice system.

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Adrian Cea

Adrian Cea is Steno's Social Media Manager, leading content strategy, audience engagement, and digital brand-building across platforms. He also produces and co-hosts Between the Briefs, Steno's podcast covering the intersection of legal technology, court reporting, and the future of litigation. With a background spanning content creation, field marketing, and sales at companies like Sell Better and Chili Piper, Adrian brings a multi-disciplined lens to making complex legal tech topics accessible and engaging.

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