Education
- The University of Texas School of Law, J.D., 2001
- Rice University, B.A., 1998
Professional Memberships
- International Cannabis Bar Association, Board of Directors Member
- California Lawyers Association, Cannabis Practitioners Group Chair
- Bar Association of San Francisco, Cannabis Law Section Co-Founder
Top Lawyer Awards
- Top 20 California Cannabis Lawyers, The Los Angeles/San Francisco Daily Journal
- Top 100 Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers® Magazine
- Top 200 Global Cannabis Lawyers, Cannabis Law Journal
Shay Aaron Gilmore
With over 20 years of experience as a California attorney, Shay Aaron Gilmore advises and counsels successful cannabis and hemp operators and investors through the complexities of California’s legal cannabis and hemp markets with foresight, unswerving integrity, and a focus on client service.
Shay’s law practice includes outside general counsel services for cannabis and hemp operators and investors regarding business formation, financing and governance, commercial transactions, local permitting, state licensing, land use, intellectual property and regulatory compliance across the cannabis and hemp supply chains. Actively involved in local, state, national and international cannabis and hemp legislative and regulatory efforts, Shay serves on the Board of Directors of the International Cannabis Bar Association, and as Chair of the California Lawyers Association Cannabis Practitioners Group.
California’s largest-circulation legal newspaper, The Los Angeles/San Francisco Daily Journal, has recognized Shay as one of the Top 20 Cannabis Lawyers in the state. Super Lawyers® Magazine has listed Shay as a Northern California Super Lawyer in Cannabis Law and in Business & Corporate Law, and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Northern California across all practice areas.
Prior to founding The Law Office of Shay Aaron Gilmore, Shay practiced law at major national and international law firms, where he distinguished himself in a range of complex matters including commercial litigation, employment litigation, and regulatory compliance examinations. Shay also served as in-house corporate counsel in the legal departments of two major financial institutions, providing advice and counsel on corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, commercial transactions, product development, government affairs, corporate litigation, and regulatory compliance matters.
Today, Shay’s work with California cannabis and hemp operators and investors includes:
- private mergers & acquisitions,
- joint ventures,
- private equity financings,
- supply chain contracts,
- licensing and product development,
- employment and labor law counsel,
- real estate acquisitions,
- administrative law counsel,
- venture capital counsel,
- regulatory compliance guidance, and
- land use and zoning counsel
honed to protect and expand access to legal, reliably tested, environmentally sustainable and socially equitable cannabis and hemp throughout every corner of California. Shay volunteers his time with the San Francisco Office of Cannabis to provide pro bono legal services to verified equity applicants under San Francisco’s Cannabis Equity Program. Appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Shay has served on the San Francisco Cannabis Oversight Committee.
Recognized by the State Bar of California with the Wiley W. Manuel Pro Bono Service Award, Shay has also served as a Commissioner on the State Bar of California’s Judicial Nominees Evaluation Commission. Shay holds a B.A. in Economics from Rice University and a J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law.
From Shay’s interview for the Master’s series on ReelLawyers.com
My law firm is different from others in that I’m exclusively focused on the cannabis and hemp industries. I don’t work with clients outside of these sectors, and this dedicated focus deepens the knowledge and expertise I bring to my clients. The relationships I’ve built with other lawyers, operators, and investors within the cannabis and hemp space further distinguish my firm.
The mission of my firm is to protect and expand access to legal, tested, environmentally sustainable, and socially equitable cannabis throughout every corner of California. I work only with clients operating or investing in the legal cannabis and hemp supply chains.
I support my cannabis cultivator clients in complying with environmental regulations, and I provide pro bono advice and counsel to verified equity applicants through the San Francisco Cannabis Equity Program. At every link in the supply chain, I use my office as both a legal resource and a platform for advocacy, lobbying state lawmakers for changes to laws that impact the cannabis and hemp industries.
From Shay’s interview for the Master’s series on ReelLawyers.com
The philosophy that guides my work as a lawyer is legal realism—the idea that the law should be grounded in empirical evidence and that legal hypotheses must be tested against real-world observations. Legal realism, with its focus on the practical application of law, enhances my transactional law practice in several meaningful ways.
First, it helps me understand the real-world context of the matters I handle—market dynamics, business needs, and client objectives—allowing me to craft agreements that are tailored to those goals rather than simply relying on standard legal forms.
Legal realism also informs my approach to negotiation. Beyond the legal texts, it emphasizes the importance of understanding the interests of all parties involved. This perspective allows me to navigate negotiations effectively and find creative solutions that satisfy everyone at the table.
Moreover, legal realism teaches flexibility and adaptability, which are essential in transactional practice. I adjust strategies based on evolving circumstances and the unique dynamics of each negotiation or regulatory environment.
Throughout my career, I’ve held leadership roles within the legal and cannabis communities. I’ve served on boards and in leadership positions since I began practicing law over 20 years ago. I co-founded the Bar Association of San Francisco Cannabis Law Section and am its immediate past chair. I also co-founded the California Lawyers Association Cannabis Practitioners Group, where I currently serve as chair.
Additionally, I sit on the Board of Directors of the International Cannabis Bar Association and have served on its executive committee. In 2023, I was appointed by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to the San Francisco Cannabis Oversight Committee, where I occupy the seat designated for an expert in cannabis law and regulation. From this role, I help lead public discussions on reforming cannabis laws in the city.
I’ve also served as a member of the Corporations Committee of the California Lawyers Association’s Business Law Section.
