James Raza Lawrence focuses on financial regulatory work and litigation, as well as trusts, estates, and probate litigation. He has many years of experience advising businesses on navigating local, state, and federal financial laws and regulations, and internal and governmental (including FTC, SEC, and DOJ) investigations relating to alleged financial malfeasance. He has advised many clients on compliance with banking laws and regulations, including the federal Bank Secrecy Act, and guidance from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Mr. Lawrence has substantial experience representing clients in all phases of financial civil litigation, in state and federal courts, including in numerous securities fraud, class action, and shareholder derivative lawsuits. He has also represented clients in many white-collar criminal cases involving allegations of money laundering, conspiracy, tax evasion, and fraud, and in numerous asset forfeiture proceedings in state and federal courts.

Mr. Lawrence has deep experience relating to the legalized cannabis and psychedelics industries. Mr. Lawrence is widely recognized as a leading voice in plant medicine law. He has many years of experience advising plant medicine businesses on navigating local, state, and federal laws and regulations, mergers and acquisitions, licensing deals, intellectual property, employment matters, internal and governmental investigations, and succeeding in our dynamic global economy.

Mr. Lawrence has taught continuing legal education courses and published articles on a wide variety of financial and regulatory topics. Prior to entering private practice, he clerked for the Honorable Morris Sheppard Arnold of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Notable Representations

• Represented publicly traded electronics hardware manufacturer in consumer class action alleging violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, breach of warranty, breach of contract, and false advertising.
• Represented publicly traded software company in consumer class action alleging violation of California’s Unfair Competition, false advertising, breach of implied covenant and fair dealing, and negligent misrepresentation.
• Represented publicly traded tobacco company in cases alleging violation of advertising and marketing laws, product liability laws, and California’s Unfair Competition Law.
• Represented founder and co-owner of retail business in connection with claims alleging violation of California’s Unfair Competition law, breach of contract, conversion, and civil conspiracy.
• Represented co-owner of California medical business in claims alleging violation of California’s Unfair Competition law, interference with prospective economic advantage, tortious interference with contractual relations, trademark infringement, conspiracy, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and conversion.
• Represented owner of medical practice management company in claims alleging money laundering, tax evasion, unfair competition, and unlawful corporate practice of medicine.
• Represented major law firm in connection with claims of negligence and professional malpractice arising out of asbestos liabilities.
• Represented medical retail business and its principals in connection with claims of violating California’s Unfair Competition Law and state and local regulations.
• Represented investor in regulated business in connection with claims of breach of contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, conversion, and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
• Represented co-owner of regulated manufacturing business in connection with claims of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties.
• Represented attorney in connection with claims alleging professional negligence and securities fraud.
• Represented property owner in connection with claims of conspiracy, money laundering, and tax evasion, relating to activities of tenants.
• Represented publicly traded vaping hardware company in connection with claims alleging breach of contract.