Karma Koala Podcast 238: Daniel Shortt Launches New Firm With Partner Perry Salzhauer In Pacific NW

Salzhauer & Shortt is a business law firm based in Seattle, serving clients in Washington, Oregon, and New York. We are dynamic business lawyers at the forefront of emerging markets. We work with businesses of all sizes, offering legal services tailored to their unique needs.

Daniel Shortt is a regulatory and corporate attorney with extensive experience advising clients in the cannabis, hemp, and psychedelics industries. He counsels federal agencies, top-tier cannabis corporations, and entrepreneurs on corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, administrative law, employment matters, real estate, and mergers and acquisitions. Daniel provides strategic legal guidance to businesses navigating complex and evolving regulatory frameworks.

As a recognized leader in cannabis and psychedelics law, Daniel is frequently quoted in national publications and speaks on legal and regulatory issues across the country and internationally. His insights have been featured in outlets such as The Washington Post, Bloomberg, and Marijuana Moment. In addition to his legal practice, Daniel teaches cannabis law at the University of Washington School of Law and has played an instrumental role in shaping cannabis regulation through his writing and professional involvement.

Daniel’s deep understanding of cannabis and psychedelics regulation across multiple jurisdictions enables his clients to make informed business decisions. He takes a pragmatic,
business-focused approach, ensuring that legal compliance aligns with strategic goals. His commitment to bridging the gap between legal intricacies and business objectives makes him a trusted advisor in these rapidly evolving markets.

Daniel has been selected as a Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, by Washington Law Report, Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” in 2024 and Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” from 2022-2024.

Perry Salzhauer is a corporate transactions attorney with deep experience advising businesses in highly regulated and emerging industries, including cannabis and psychedelics. His
background in securities, environmental compliance, and corporate governance gives clients a strategic advantage when navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Perry counsels business owners, investors, financial institutions, and industry organizations, helping them structure transactions, ensure compliance, and develop long-term business strategies.

With a career spanning both startups and Fortune 50 companies, Perry understands the unique challenges businesses face in the cannabis and psychedelics industries, including regulatory uncertainty, market entry and exit strategies, and risk management. His ability to distill complex legal frameworks into actionable business strategies makes him a trusted advisor to clients looking to grow in these evolving spaces.

He understands their chief concerns: How does this impact our affiliates and my fiduciary obligations? What are the considerations regarding operations for high-THC vs. low-THC
products? How will we turn this endeavor into shareholder profit – while avoiding the potential for blowback?

Previously, Perry co-founded Green Light Law Group, a boutique law firm focused on cannabis and psychedelics. He has served as both outside and in-house counsel to corporations, investors, and government agencies. Perry began his legal career as a Corporate Securities and Transactions attorney with an AmLaw 200 firm in Washington, DC, and his environmental work has included advising on land-use and sustainability issues related to major development projects.