National law firm Husch Blackwell furthered its growth in Minneapolis with the addition of corporate partner Jeffrey O’Brien, who joins as a member of the firm’s Food Systems industry group.
O’Brien represents numerous small and closely-held businesses as well as real estate investors and developers where he works with craft breweries, distilleries, a variety of other liquor and hospitality focused businesses, industrial hemp infused product manufacturers and the state legal marijuana industry.
“Jeff provides significant depth to our Alcohol Beverage team and further expands our national cannabis practice into Minnesota,” said Steve Levine, partner and leader of Husch Blackwell’s Food Systems industry group. “His securities practice will also greatly benefit the firm and we’re pleased he has joined Husch Blackwell.”
O’Brien’s provides counsel on an array of issues including entity formation, financing, real estate matters, intellectual property protection, operational issues, securities law, and distribution contracts. He also assists business across the country on matters pertaining to Federal securities law, with an emphasis on exempt offerings under Regulation D and Regulation CF.
“Jeff is well-respected and well-known in the Twin Cities and adds significant depth and capabilities to our firm,” said Rob Kukuljan, Husch Blackwell’s Minneapolis office managing partner. “He will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of this office.”
“I’m eager to help grow the firm’s alcohol capabilities as well as help expand the cannabis practice into Minnesota, where, despite recreational use being legal since August 2023, no firm has established itself as the leader—I want Husch Blackwell to be that leader,” O’Brien said. “My clients will greatly benefit from the firm’s national platform and the tremendous depth of attorneys.”
Earlier this year, the firm added an 11-attorney intellectual property team and a five-attorney litigation team in Minneapolis.