Susan Burns is a business lawyer who guides businesses that are pursuing growth strategies. 

As an accomplished attorney with experience in several industries, Susan works with clients in the cannabis, health, technology, microbiology and food sectors. She also uses her expertise in agriculture and food law to help cannabis companies structure themselves to succeed in business-to-business or business-to-consumer environments—including one of her favorites—supporting growth for acquisition. 

Susan serves in leadership roles in the American Bar Association’s International Law Section, currently as Communications Officer, Founder & Co-Chair of the Food, Ag + Cannabis Committee, and Senior Adviser to the Mexico Committee. She is also a board member of the Minnesota Organic Advisory Task Force. 

Susan earned her L.L.M. in food and agriculture from the University of Arkansas School of Law, her J.D. from Hamline University School of Law and her B.A. from the College of St. Benedict (both in Minnesota). 

While completing her LL.M. Susan was a Legal Fellow for The Good Food Institute where she developed an interest in the regulation of new food technology. Her practicum subject was “Regulatory Pathways for Export of Cell-cultured Meat to Mexico.” 

But her fascination with the nascent cannabis industry has consumed her publishing and speaking interests. She is a frequent presenter on the regulation of hemp-derived cannabinoids and the rapidly growing cannabis hospitality industry. Susan is a regular contributor to the Cannabis Law Journal.