Areas of Practice
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
Education
Duke University, J.D.
James Madison College and the Honors College at Michigan State University, B.A.
- with honors
R. Lance Boldrey is the leader of the Firm's Cannabis Law Practice, representing a wide range of industry participants, from small retail establishments, to large vertically integrated players, to lenders and investors. He specializes in licensing, regulatory matters, and legislative issues, and quarterbacks Dykema's representation on real estate, corporate and M&A work, and other aspects of serving the needs of this rapidly changing industry. Mr. Boldrey's practice also encompasses Indian law, with an emphasis on gaming, economic development, and state-tribal relations. He represents tribes, developers, banks and other non-tribal businesses, as well as state and local governments, and is a frequent speaker on Indian law topics.
Prior to joining Dykema, Mr. Boldrey served as Deputy Legal Counsel to former Michigan Governor John Engler and was responsible for all aspects of the State of Michigan's relations with tribal governments.
Experience
- Mr. Boldrey has been at the forefront of the development of a licensed and regulated cannabis industry in the State of Michigan. He has been heavily involved in lobbying activities with respect to the State's Medical Marihuana Facilities License Act (MMFLA), particularly with respect to the promulgation of administrative rules. He served on a State-created workgroup and regularly interfaces with State department officials and legislators to advocate for his clients' interests in implementation of both the MMFLA and the State's new Adult Use measure.
- Mr. Boldrey has represented well in excess of 100 applicants and supplemental applicants for State licensure, assisting in the preparation and shepherding of license applications for every available license type. He counts among his victories the very first commercial grow licenses issued in the State.
- At the local level, Mr. Boldrey has worked to ensure that his clients' goals are advanced in local ordinances, and has overseen successful and pending local license applications in numerous Michigan municipalities.
- In addition to government relations and licensing matters, Mr. Boldrey has been involved in cannabis-related capital raises, lending, M&A work, joint venture agreements, licensing agreements, real estate matters (leasing, property acquisition, zoning and permitting), and banking issues. As the leader of the Firm's large and expanding Cannabis team, he can bring the right resources to bear for virtually any client needs.
- Mr. Boldrey's Indian gaming experience includes transactional work concluding business agreements between consultants, developers, management companies and tribes; negotiating tribal-state gaming compacts; and negotiating intergovernmental agreements involving tribes. In the litigation arena, Mr. Boldrey has been involved in federal and state court tribal gaming matters at the trial and appellate levels, as well as arbitrations.
- Mr. Boldrey has also assisted state and local governments in navigating complex tribal gaming matters. In addition to serving as counsel to Michigan Governor John Engler, Mr. Boldrey has been retained as special counsel by Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb to advise their states on gaming and state-tribal relations.
- Administrative law experience includes work on tribal fee-to-trust applications, the application of all of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's exceptions that permit gaming on "after-acquired lands," and approvals of tribal-state gaming compacts.
- Indian gaming financing work includes representing tribes, banks and investors and interacting with the National Indian Gaming Commission to obtain de facto approval of financing agreements. Mr. Boldrey has led or assisted on deals totaling over $950 million.
- Mr. Boldrey has long been involved in tribal treaty rights matters, serving as lead for the State of Michigan Governor's Office in the formulation of a consent decree governing tribal and state fishing in much of the Great Lakes. He presently represents the Emmet County Lakeshore Association and private businesses and residents defending against claims by a Tribe that a 300+ square mile area of Northern Michigan is today an Indian reservation.
- Mr. Boldrey has advised tribes and tribal companies on economic development matters. He has also represented utilities, general contractors, hospitals, architects, and other businesses in doing business with Indian tribes.
Significant Decisions
- Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos v. State of Michigan, 478 Mich. 99; 732 N.W.2d 487 (2007). Upholding validity of amendment process in tribal-state gaming compacts.
- Taxpayers of Michigan Against Casinos v State of Michigan, 471 Mich. 306; 685 N.W.2d 221 (2004), cert. denied, 543 U.S. 1146 (2005). Upholding validity of Michigan tribal-state gaming compacts and process of enactment.
- LeRoux v Miller, 465 Mich 594 (2002). Upholding validity of Michigan redistricting plans.
Seminars & Speeches
- Cannabis – A Year Into Adult Use, Michigan Association of CPA’s Michigan Tax Conference, remoteNovember 5, 2020
- Latest Developments in Michigan Adult-Use Rulemaking, 4th Annual Marijuana Law Conference, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Grand Rapids, MichiganOctober 25, 2019
- Marijuana in Your Community, Michigan Chamber of Commerce Chamber Day at the Capitol, Lansing, MichiganMay 21, 2019
- Cannabis in Michigan and Beyond: What’s New???, Michigan Credit Union League Government Affairs Conference, Lansing, MichiganMay 1, 2019
- Marihuana Businesses: What Credit Unions Need to Know, Michigan Credit Union League Annual Conference and Exposition, Traverse City, MichiganJune 8, 2018
- Legislative and Rulemaking Update: Status, Key Issues, and the Permanent Rules, CLE International 2nd Annual Cannabis Law Conference, Lansing, MichiganApril 16, 2018
- Municipal Regulation of Medical Marihuana, Oakland County Bar Association Municipal Law Committee, Bloomfield Hills, MichiganFebruary 28, 2018
- Medical Marijuana Out of the Shadows: A New Michigan Industry, Michigan Credit Union League Annual Conference & Exposition, Grand Rapids, MichiganJune 8, 2017
- Next Steps under the Michigan Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act: Rulemaking, Conference Chair, CLE International Michigan Medical Marijuana Conference, Lansing, MichiganApril 24, 2017
- The Shifting Boundary Between Tribes and States in Indian Gaming: Compact Issues from the State Perspective, Federal Bar Association, 41st Annual Indian Law Conference, Scottsdale, ArizonaApril 7, 2016
- Careers in Indian Law, National Native American Law Students Association Annual Meeting, Scottsdale, ArizonaApril 6, 2016
- May 4-5, 2015
- Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community: Implications for Sovereign Immunity, Tribal Gaming and State-Tribal Relations, Law Seminars International TelebriefingJune 17, 2014
- The Bay Mills Ruling, Native American Finance Officers Association, WebinarMay 29, 2014
- The Bay Mills Case: The Dispute Over Tribal Sovereignty, Native American Finance Officers Association 32nd Annual Conference, New Orleans, LouisianaApril 14, 2014
- Electoral Politics and Governance, Moderator, James Madison College 2013 Senior Research Conference, East Lansing, MichiganApril 19, 2013
- The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act at 25, University of Michigan School of Law, Native American Law Students Association Law Day, Ann Arbor, MichiganApril 5, 2013
- Paths to Casino Gaming, Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys Fall Meeting, Orlando, FLNovember 2, 2012
- Incentives for Equity Investments in Tribal Member Businesses, Emerging Tribal Economies, Milwaukee, WISeptember 20, 2012
- Performing Due Diligence on Business Proposals, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Tribal Economic Development Forum, Lansing, MIMay 17, 2012
- Indian Gaming 101: Establishing A Tribal Casino, Michigan State University School of Law American Inn of Court, East Lansing, MIApril 4, 2012
- Structuring Tribal Businesses, Michigan Economic Development Corporation Tribal Economic Development Forum, Lansing, MIMay 16, 2011
- Federal Indian Law & Environmental Policy, 2010 Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation Scholar Orientation, Tucson, AZAugust 2010
- An Overview of Federal Indian Law & Policy, 2009 Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholar Orientation, Tucson, AZAugust 2009
- Tribal Gaming: Beyond the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Global Gaming Expo (G2E), Las Vegas, NVNovember 2007
- Future of Indian Gaming: Will D.C. Stop the Growth?, Moderator, Global Gaming Expo (G2E), Las Vegas, NVNovember 2006
- Tribal/State Relations and Negotiations, Moderator, Governors Interstate Indian Council Annual Meeting, Traverse City, MIAugust 2004
- Legal Issues on Homeland Security, National Governors Association Legal Counsel Seminar, Seattle, WAAugust 2002
- Michigan Tribal Issues: What Every Municipal Attorney Should Know, Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, Lansing, MIMarch 2002
- Native American Tribal Issues, National Governors Association Legal Counsel Seminar, Kiawah Island, SCSeptember 2001
- Cigarette Taxation and State-Tribal Environmental Issues, National Governors Association Tribal Issues Briefing, Washington, D.C.April 2001
- The Future of Indian Gaming, North American Gaming Summit, Detroit, MINovember 2000
- The Judicial Appointments Process, State Bar of Michigan New Presidents Meeting, Harbor Springs, MIJune 1999
- Native American Fishing Rights, James Madison College 30th Anniversary, East Lansing, MIJanuary 1997
Publications
- November 22, 2019Law360https://www.law360.com/articles/1222355
- "Weighing Investments in an Exploding New Industry"February 2017Marijuana Venture Magazine Vol. 4 No. 2
- August, 2016Michigan Bar Journal
- "Incentives For Joint Ventures Between Michigan's Tribes and Non-Indian Businesses"September 2011Michigan Economic Development Corporation (available at www.michiganadvantage.org/tribal-resources)
- "Tribal Business Structures: A Guidebook On Different Structures for Tribal Business Entities"September 2011Michigan Economic Development Corporation (available at www.michiganadvantage.org/tribal-resources)
- "The True Test of Tribal-State Cooperation: Resolving Issues of Taxation"2010Emerging Issues in Tribal-State Relations, Aspatore Books
- "Proceed with Prudence: Advising Clients Doing Business in Indian Country" (with Jason Hanselman)February 2010Michigan Bar Journal
- "After Change in Control, Michigan Supreme Court Reverses Itself in Major Insurance Decision"Fall 2009State Court Docket Watch
- "Banking Indian Casinos: What Investors Need To Understand At The Outset"September 2008Global Gaming Business Magazine Vol.7 No.9
News
- February 4, 2021
- October 30, 2020
- October 9, 2020
- August 26, 2020
- June 24, 2020
- April 2, 2020
- February 19, 2020
- November 21, 2018
- July 10, 2018
- June 11, 2018
- December 17, 2017
- November 9, 2017
- April 5, 2017
- February 23, 2017
- December 26, 2016
- December 19, 2016
- October 27, 2016
- August 2, 2016
- February 15, 2016
- April 17, 2015
- Discusses Significance of U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian CommunityMay 30, 2014
- Only One Lawyer in Practice Area, Designated Metropolitan Area Earns HonorSeptember 12, 2013
- Will Discuss Tribal Lending Programs, Use of Tax Credits, Trust LandsSeptember 12, 2012
Alerts
- September 15, 2020
- April 2, 2014
- September 6, 2012
Press Releases
- 18 Attorneys Earn “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 20, 2020
- Firm Ranked as One of the Top 10 in the Nation for Consumer Class ActionsApril 23, 2020
- August 22, 2019
- 18 Attorneys Earn “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 15, 2019
- April 25, 2019
- 13 Attorneys Earn “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 15, 2018
- May 3, 2018
- 10 Attorneys Receive “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 15, 2017
- May 26, 2017
- 14 Attorneys Receive “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 15, 2016
- May 27, 2016
- May 11, 2016
- 12 Attorneys Receive “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 18, 2015
- Firm Receives 10 “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 18, 2014
- Nearly One in Four Dykema Practitioners Earn Distinction; Seven Merit “Lawyer of the Year” HonorsAugust 16, 2013
- More Than One in Four Dykema Practitioners Earn DistinctionAugust 23, 2012
- Rankings Put Firm’s Attorneys on Top of the Pack in 25 PracticesOctober 27, 2011
- September 9, 2010
Blog Posts
- National Cannabis Industry Association Releases Sustainability Report
- Michigan Court of Claims Denies Request for Injunction Against State Over Local Licensing Decisions
- November 2020 Election Great for Michigan Cannabis
- IRS Allows Reduction of Gross Receipts For State-Legal Cannabis Businesses
- Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency Furloughs Likely to Cost State Money
- Michigan Continues to Respond to Cannabis Industry Needs
- Michigan and Illinois Impose Stay-at-Home Orders – Implications for Cannabis Businesses
- Michigan to Beat Illinois!
- New Information on the Use Transfers to Feed the New Adult Use Cannabis Market
- Michigan’s New Marijuana Regulatory Agency Issues Guidance on the Treatment of “Temporary Operators” and Caregiver Product
- Governor Whitmer Eliminates the Medical Marihuana Licensing Board and the Medical Marihuana Advisory Panel
- Unlicensed Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Must Close December 31
- The STATES Act, Rooted in Federalism, Would Address Systemic Risk in Cannabis-Related Banking
- BMMR News! Updates From Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board
- Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board Divided on Licenses
- Michigan Continues to Fine-Tune How Marihuana Businesses Can Operate Before Licensure
- Michigan Gets Recommendations for Medical Marijuana Rules, New Advisory Panel Members
- Major Michigan Announcements: Licensing Checklist, Proposed Capitalization Requirements, Other Important Standards
- Michigan Announces “Road Shows” on Marihuana Licensure
- Michigan Issues Advisory Bulletin on Marijuana Testing
- Michigan Releases “FAQ” on Marihuana Facility Licensing
- A Busy Week for Marijuana-Legislation in Michigan!
- Michigan to Allow “Stacking” of Multiple Grower Licenses
- Michigan Issues Advisory Bulletin on Co-Location of Medical Marihuana Facilities
- September 12 Michigan Medical Marihuana Board Meeting: December Closure Date for Existing Businesses Likely
- Michigan News Flash: LARA to Existing Facilities—Close by December 15
- Major Announcements Coming at Next Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board Meeting
- Michigan Medical Marihuana Board Announces More Meetings
- Medical Marijuana Rulemaking Process Officially Underway in Michigan
- Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board Meets
- Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Licensing Board Announces First Meeting
- Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Board Appointed!
- Michigan’s Committee to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Announces Filing of 2018 Ballot Initiative
- Michigan Announces Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation, Seed-To-Sale Solution
- Michigan Seeks Input On Marihuana Testing Rules
- Michigan State University Extension Hosts Workshops on Local Regulation of Licensed Marijuana Facilities
- Michigan Seeks Input on “Inventory Startup,” Transition Issues
- Suits to Resurrect MILegalize 2016 Initiative Failing, Attention Turns to 2018
- Michigan Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Releases Draft Initiative for Comment
- Michigan’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules: Profiles of House of Representative Members
- Michigan Seeks Input on Multiple Licenses and Co-Location
- State of Michigan Issues RFP for Marijuana Seed-To-Sale Tracking
- No Marijuana Measure on November Ballot—Federal Judge Rejects Bid to Halt Michigan Election Process
- MI Legalize Petition Signers Head to Federal Court, but Are Unlikely to Find Early Relief
- State Board of Canvassers Unanimously Rejects “MI Legalize” Initiative Petitions to Legalize Adult Use of Marijuana
- Michigan Elections Staff Recommends Rejection of “MI Legalize” Initiative Petitions to Legalize Adult Use of Marijuana
- “MI Legalize” Files 2016 Initiative Petitions to Legalize Adult Use of Marijuana in Michigan, Legal Hurdles Remain
- Adverse Decision in Menominee Hemp Case Still Leaves Path for Tribal Hemp Activities
- Key Takeaways from the Spring 2016 Marijuana Business Conference & Expo
Memberships & Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section
- National Cannabis Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association, Sarah T. Hughes Civil Rights Award Committee
- Ingham County Bar Association
Community/Civic Activities
- 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
Awards & Recognition
Named a "Trailblazer" for Cannabis Law by The National Law Journal, 2020
Named a Leading Lawyer in Native American Law by Chambers USA, 2016-2020
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Leaders in the Law," 2020
Named to Cannabis Law Report's "Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers"
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