On September 14, Tonkon Torp Cannabis Industry Group attorneys Sherrill Corbett, Jessica Morgan, and Kristin Bremer Moore were featured speakers at Females to the Front, a retreat for women founders in the cannabis space hosted by The Initiative. Their session focused on helping women enter M&A and investor activity from a stronger negotiating position. Sherrill, Jessica, and Kristin, who all regularly work with women business leaders, shared well-honed advice about how best to prepare the detailed information that buyers and investors are most interested in, including: the preferred structure of the deal, due diligence, intellectual property assets, and the status of employees. They also provided audience members with valuable takeaway resources, including crowdfunding options for cannabis businesses, a sample mutual confidentiality and nondisclosure agreement, and a due diligence checklist.
The retreat included a lively pitch competition on September 15 which Tonkon Torp sponsored. Kristin and Sherrill met with candidates prior to the presentations to help them hone their pitches, while Jessica served as a judge during the competition. The winners of the competition were Shanti Wellness (1st place), SafeArbor (2nd place), and Undefined Beauty (3rd place).
Sherrill is a member, and the immediate Past Chair, of Tonkon Torp's Mergers & Acquisitions Practice Group. She counsels cannabis and general business clients on buying and selling businesses, and structuring complex joint ventures. She also advises clients on bank financings, private placements, and public offerings.
Jessica is Co-Chair of Tonkon Torp’s Financial Services Practice Group, where she advises businesses and investment funds – including private equity funds, financial institutions, and investment advisers – on regulatory, securities, and general business matters. She also advises investment fund portfolio companies and startups – mainly in the cannabis industry.
Kristin is Chair of Tonkon Torp's Labor & Employment Practice Group. She exclusively represents employers from claims of discrimination, retaliation, wrongful discharge, and other labor and employment matters. Kristin has extensive experience in counseling and litigating noncompetition agreements and she advises clients on how to protect their confidential information and trade secrets.
