Adrienne Dean, ESQ.

Adrienne Dean is the CEO and a Founding Partner of A. Dean Law, P.C.. She advises companies seeking to operate licensed cannabis businesses on state and local licensing and regulatory compliance matters. Adrienne has appeared before municipal authorities to seek local approvals for her clients’ marijuana businesses and to advocate for the unbiased application of local laws to those businesses. She has also represented a vertically integrated medical and adult-use marijuana business from initial application through the buy-out of the company’s founders. A committed advocate of social equity, Adrienne devotes a part of her practice to policy work that supports the participation of women, minorities, veterans, and locally owned businesses in the regulated cannabis industry. Adrienne has testified before the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission concerning changes to the adult-use and medical marijuana regulations that would improve conditions for these groups.  

In addition to her cannabis licensing and regulatory practice, Adrienne also advises start-ups and mid-size companies on corporate law matters. She is seasoned at forming corporations and LLCs, explaining formal corporate governance issues to clients and familiarizing them with various fundraising options, including traditional forms of debt and equity financing as well as newer ones such as convertibles notes, SAFEs and crowdfunding. Adrienne also counsels businesses on planning for other significant corporate events, such as structuring equity awards to partners and early hires, the disposition and acquisition of assets, and real estate transactions.  

Adrienne began her career at Credit Suisse Securities USA in New York City as a Compliance Specialist in the General Counsel’s Office. Prior to founding A. Dean Law, P.C., Adrienne started the Cannabis Law Practice Group at the Philadelphia-based firm Axenfeld Law Group. She also previously served as a Partner at a boutique corporate and securities law firm headquartered in the Greater Boston area. In addition to being a Partner at A. Dean Law, P.C., Adrienne is also currently a Partner at the Washington, D.C.-based firm Cogent Law Group.  

Education:
B.A. in English, Wesleyan University
J.D., Brooklyn Law School 

Bar Admissions:
Massachusetts 

Affiliations:
International Cannabis Bar Association
Women’s Bar Association (Massachusetts)
Boston Bar Association
Massachusetts Bar Association
Real Estate Bar Association (Massachusetts)