McCarter & English has expanded its cannabis law and white collar defense and investigations capabilities with the addition of Ryan M. Magee, a former Bergen County prosecutor and seasoned trial lawyer, as a partner in the firm’s Newark office. Magee also adds to the firm’s bench strength in cybersecurity and data privacy.
“Ryan is a great addition to our firm and our distinguished white collar criminal defense team,” said Joseph Boccassini, McCarter’s Firmwide Managing Partner. “He advises cannabis businesses on the broad spectrum of issues that arise in that burgeoning industry, and he’s achieved impressive results representing individuals and corporations charged with, and under investigation for, federal and state crimes. Ryan’s experience as a cybercrimes prosecutor will also greatly benefit our clients as they navigate complicated security and privacy issues. These are all areas where we are seeing significant growth and demand, and we are thrilled to welcome him.”
In the cannabis space, Magee’s principal focus is on guiding businesses through license applications to cultivate, manufacture, and dispense medical and adult-use cannabis, including applicants seeking cannabis permit awards from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. He also provides guidance on federal anti-drug, anti-money laundering, and banking laws.
“This move will allow me to expand my practice on a broader platform and at the same time continue to serve my clients in New Jersey, leveraging my former position as a prosecutor and longtime public servant,” Magee said. “In addition, McCarter has a growing cannabis practice which I am excited to be part of.”
“Ryan is an important part of the continued growth of our cannabis capabilities,” said Guillermo Artiles, who leads McCarter’s Cannabis Group. “His deep understanding of the industry and the laws and regulations governing it will be a great asset to our clients in the space, from start–ups to mature cannabis enterprises.”
In his white collar practice, Magee interfaces with the Department of Justice, state attorneys general, and county prosecutor’s offices throughout New Jersey. He also helps clients navigate enforcement matters before regulatory agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, as well as licensing boards including the New Jersey Board of Health and other health industry regulators. In addition, Magee’s practice includes overseeing internal investigations designed to look into misconduct and evaluate potential exposures of civil or criminal liability. His addition is part of an expansion of white collar and investigations capabilities across the firm’s footprint.
Magee obtained his initial cyber experience as a cybercrime prosecutor, investigating and prosecuting diverse cybercrimes, including identity trafficking, dark web murder for hire, cyber extortion, and online drug trafficking.
A 2010 graduate of Seton Hall University School of Law, Magee trained with the United States Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security in the acquisition and use of digital evidence at the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover, Alabama. He has lectured fellow lawyers and instructed members of law enforcement on the topics of cyber fraud and identity theft. Magee is currently an adjunct professor in Rutgers Law School’s Certificate in Cannabis Law and Business program for cannabis entrepreneurs and license holders.
Prior to joining the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Magee served as a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Eugene H. Austin, Superior Court of New Jersey, Criminal Division. He received a BA in public relations from Hofstra University Honors College.
Before joining McCarter, Magee was a partner at Riker Danzig.
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