R. Lance Boldrey
Member
Lance Boldrey guides clients through always-changing, often unpredictable Native American law and cannabis law environments. Although the two areas may seem different, both involve growing economic interests, government relations, complex transactions, and complicated legal and regulatory landscapes.
Fortunately for Lance's clients, those are the areas in which he excels.
Clients quoted in The Legal 500 US 2023 note Lance is “‘one of the most brilliant cannabis lawyers in the country and certainly the best within Michigan. He’s pragmatic and an excellent advocate for his clients. Lance represents a plethora of clients ranging from significant market entities such as lenders and investors to smaller retail clients, and is particularly proficient in legislative, regulatory as well as licensing mandates.”
Lance's Native American law experience encompasses gaming, economic development, and state-tribal relations, and he is one of only a few private practitioners in Michigan representing tribes, developers, banks, lenders, non-tribal businesses, and state and local governments.
“ Cannabis law and Native American law are constantly changing and evolving, and the only way to maneuver through the uncertainty is to focus on the client's business objectives. My unique perspective on how the pieces fit together distinguishes me from other attorneys and allows me to deliver results. ”
-
- Duke University, J.D.
- James Madison College and the Honors College at Michigan State University, B.A., with honors
-
Bar Admissions
- Michigan, 1995
-
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1995
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1995
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit, 1996
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2004
-
-
Recognized by The Legal 500 United States as a Key Lawyer for Cannabis Law and Native American Law, 2021-2023
-
Named a Nationwide Leading Lawyer in Cannabis Law: Eastern United States and Native American Law by Chambers USA, 2016-2023
- Named a "Trailblazer" for Cannabis Law by The National Law Journal, 2020
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Leaders in the Law," 2020
-
Named to Cannabis Law Report's "Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers" 2020-2021
- Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation, 2015-Present
- Distinguished Brief Award for Best Brief to Michigan Supreme Court, Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, for brief on behalf of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos v. State of Michigan, 478 Mich. 99; 732 N.W.2d 487, 2007
- Named Lansing's "Lawyer of the Year" for Gaming Law by Best Lawyers®, 2014
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Gaming Law, Cannabis Law, and Native American Law, 2007-Present. Copyright 2018 by Woodward/White, Inc., Aiken, SC
- Named a Michigan Leading Lawyer in the areas of Election, Political & Campaign, Gaming & Casino and Native American Law by the Leading Lawyers Network, 2014-2017. Law Bulletin Publishing Company
- Named a Rising Star by Law & Politics, 2009-2010
- Pioneer Award by the Marijuana Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan
-
-
-
Michigan Association of CPA’s Cannabis Expert Panel
-
State Bar of Michigan Cannabis Law Section
- National Cannabis Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association, Sarah T. Hughes Civil Rights Award Committee
- Ingham County Bar Association
-
-
- Trustee of the Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation, presidential appointee, 2003-2014
- Past President and Member, Board of Directors, James Madison College Alumni Association
-
-
Deputy Legal Counsel, Michigan Governor John Engler
-
Areas of client focus
Cannabis and Tribal Governments
Lance Boldrey will give a presentation, “Cannabis and Tribal Governments,” at the 8th Annual…
In a significant decision for cannabis advocates and the cannabis industry, on September 1, 2023,…
Michigan marijuana sales likely to surpass $3 billion, helped by record-breaking July
Lance Boldrey was quoted extensively in the MLive article, "Michigan marijuana sales likely to…
