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Aaron A Pelley
About Aaron
Biography
A founding member of the Cannabis Defense Coalition Legal Committee and a lifetime member of the NORML Legal Committee. Aaron has been a tireless advocate in the War on Drugs and the legalization movement. In addition to representing cannabis clients and their business strategies, Aaron has also earned a reputation for effectively handling high profile litigation, defending both individual and corporate clients. Aaron’s representative cases convey his capacity to handle a diversity of complex and serious legal matters. Aaron has been repeatedly named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He has been invited to speak on Legal Education Seminars and Cannabis Conferences throughout the United States.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 19 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Aaron A. Pelley
605 1st Ave Suite 330,, Seattle, WA, 98104
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Aaron A Pelley's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 52 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Tim | December 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Superb service
We had the privilege of working with Aaron Pelley on a highly complex real estate and business transaction, and we couldn’t be more impressed. From the very beginning, Aaron was incredibly communicative—always quick to respond to calls and emails—and took the time to explain every step of the proce...
Posted by Roy | January 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney
We needed a representative with extensive cannabis expertise because our business partners ended up being not so great partners. Since we couldnt use our previous business attorney, we asked everyone we respected in the industry and got several recommendations to go with Aaron. One recommendation...
Posted by Amanda | January 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A Pillar in the Cannabis Law Community
I have worked with Aaron and his legal team since 2008, he and his staff have effective communication in crucial legal matters, that are clear, responsive, and approachable. He takes the time to explain legal concepts and processes to you in a way that you can understand. Aaron has always been an ex...
Posted by Francesca | January 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Knowledgeable and experienced
I’ve been working with Aaron since 2018. Each time we have worked together he is thorough, knowledgeable, and patient with a huge fire to achieve the goal. He also has always been realistic of what is possible and what is not. I appreciate that so much as some attorneys will only tell you what you wa...
Posted by anonymous | January 3, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding Legal Services, Representation, Support.
I have been using Cultiva Law, Aaron Pelley & Team, for over 8 years now. Cultiva Law has been a beacon of support, advice, communication and representation for me and my company over the years. Aaron’s knowledge and perspective have carried us through audits, contract disputes, company formation ...
Aaron A Pelley's Lawyer Endorsements
"Aaron is an excellent attorney. He pioneered the area of representation for legal marijuana operations and continues to provide superb support for individuals and business involved with this new industry. It is a area fraught with legal dangers and Aaron navigates it smoothly."
"Attorney Pelley is an experienced and aggressive defense attorney. He is highly regarded and respected by his peers and clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is extremely intelligent and gets results. I routinely call him to consult on situations that are within his expertise, and refer clients to him without hesitation."
"Mr.Pelley is one of the most exemplary and extraordinary attorneys that I have encountered in 24 years of practice. Despite being a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for nearly two and a half decades, I continue to learn valuable information from his posts every day. I would highly recommend."
"Aaron is a hard working, intelligent attorney who has a great track record in the criminal defense community. I would recommend him to anyone facing a criminal charge in Western Washington."
"In addition to being a skilled professional, Aaron is a truly compassionate attorney who is willing and able to step in and help a person in need of competent and knowledgeable representation. I most certainly endorse Aaron!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Aaron is experienced, professional, and effective. I had the pleasure of working with him on a case with 14 co-defendants. I endorse him, I would refer him to anyone, and I would hire him if I ever needed representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Aaron is a meticulous, compassionate attorney who zealously fights to protect his clients' interests. He does not back down and he consistently gets great results. Aaron has also proven himself to be one of the go-to attorneys for any medical marijuana issue. I highly recommend Aaron."
"Aaron is an outstanding attorney, who works tirelessly for his clients. Aaron leaves no stone unturned in his pursuit of the best resolution for clients, and his results speak for themselves. I give this attorney my strongest endorsement."
"I regularly refer cases to Aaron that are beyond my area of expertise. To say he is a sharp lawyer is an understatement. Aaron dedicates himself 100% to each case he takes on. And I endorse his work 100%."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Aaron is very honest and hardworking. And if there's a creative legal solution out there, Aaron will find it."
"I strongly endorse Aaron Pelley, an attorney who has achieved tremendous results for his clients in very challenging cases. I have referred cases to Aaron, knowing that he will do an outstanding job for his clients. In addition, Aaron is well thought of by his colleagues, and is very generous with his time."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Aaron is very professional and I would feel comfortable referring any client to him."
"I have worked with Mr. Pelley in the past and have found him to be a personable, skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. I know that he is dedicated to his practice and committed to his clients."
"I recently met Mr. Pelley at a continuing learning education course focused on trial work, and was amazed by his understanding of criminal defense. Mr. Pelley has dedicated himself to the defense of persons charged with crimes, and I will refer people to him without reservation."
"I have known Aaron Pelley for a while and Aaron is a very dedicated and hard working advocate for his clients. Mr. Pelley is very well versed in the law and I would recommend him to anybody."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Aaron is an amazing attorney and highly respected among his peers. He is articulate and well-versed in trial advocacy."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters Super Lawyer
2019
Top 30 Litigators in Cannabis, MG Magazine
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top Cannabis Trial Attorneys, MG Magazine
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2017
Top Lawyer, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top Attorneys in Washington, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2011
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2010
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2009
Pro Bono Publico Service, Washington State Bar Association
2008
Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
2005
Certificate for Completion: International Crim. Law and Policy, South Western Law School
2004
Willamette University Public Interest Law Fellowship Grantee, Willamette University College of Law
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Partner, Gleam Law PLLC
2024 - 2025
Partner, Harris Sliwoski
2018 - 2024
Owner, Cultiva Law PLLC
2016 - 2018
Managing Partner, 7 Point Law
2007 - 2016
Owner, Pelley Law, PLLC
Associations
2015 - Present
National Cannabis Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana LawsLegal Committee Member
2006 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAdmitted to Practice
2006 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice
2004 - 2009
King County Bar AssociationMember
2004 - 2009
American Bar AssociationAdvisory Panel
Education
2005
Willamette University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
Willamette University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
The Academy of Cannabis Science
Compliance & Cannabis Licensing
2019
Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington
Federal Responses to Washington Marijuana Law
2019
Marijuana Law - A Comprehensive Overview
How Did We Get Here? Overview of Initiative I-502
2019
K&L Gates Event
Investing in Cannabis
2019
Indoor Agricultural Conference
Cannabis Genetics and the Current Legal Landscape
2018
National Marijuana Retail & Dispensary Expo
Branding for Retailers in the Cannabis Industry
2018
International Cannabis Business Conference
The ABCs of CBDs
2018
Cannabis Collaborative Conference
Legal Panel
2018
Annual National Paralegal Association
CBD and Cannabis Laws
2018
2018 Willamette Law Review Symposium: US v. Oregon: Examining the Role of Federalism Under the Trump Administration
Marijuana Law & Federalism
2017
Urban Land Institute Spring Meeting
The Legalized Marijuana Industry and its Impact on Industrial Real Estate
2017
Seattle CannaCon
Navigating Cannabis Laws
2017
Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington
Obtaining a Washington Cannabis Business License
2017
MJBA Business Bootcamp
Intellectual Property Litigation
2017
Cannabis Grand Cru
Brand Creation, Differentiation & Leadership
2017
Cannabis and Your Health
Cannabis Laws
2017
3rd Annual Cannabis Collaborative Conference
Developing an Effective Business Strategy
2016
Weed Week PDX
Advising Cannabis Business
2016
The Third Native American Cannabis Conference
Legal Hurdles, Managing Risk, Lessons Learning from Others Mistakes, & Protecting your Tribe
2016
The Best In Marijuana Design & Packaging 2016
Compliance Law Review
2016
Recreational Marijuana Business Law in Washington Training Seminar
Obtaining a Washington Cannabis Business License
2016
Native American Cannabis Conference
Legal Hurdles & Managing Risk
2016
MJBA Business Boot Camp
Avoiding the Audit
2016
Imperious Cannabis Business Expo
Cannabis Applications and Licensing
2016
CannaCon (Seattle)
Legal Panel (Education & Development)
2016
CannaCon (Anchorage)
Law & Politics of Cannabis
2016
Cannabis World Congress & Business Exposition
Community Engagement by Cannabis Companies
2016
Cannabis Grand Cru 2016 CFG
Washington's 502 Legislation Foundry
2016
Cannabis Grand Cru (Portland)
Brand Creation, Differentiation & Leadership
2015
PWC Panel Presentations
Clearing the Air: Let’s Talk about Legal Pot & Workers’ Comp
2015
Medical & Recreational Cannabis
Cannabis Litigation
2015
Federal Law Issues and Washington State Marijuana Laws
Washington Marijuana Law
2015
Benton Franklin County Bar Association
Case Law Update on Cannabis Law and Litigation
2014
WANP Annual Clinical Conference 2014 (Pain Management in Naturopathic Practice)
Benefits Outweighing the Risk - Ethics and Legal Pitfalls
2014
Canna Business & the Law - I-502 Seminar
Choosing Legal Compliance
2013
2012
The 19th Annual Criminal Justice Institute
Updates and Critical Issues
2012
Q&A session on Medical Cannabis
Legal Issues for Access Points
2012
Hempfest 2012
Medical Marijuana in Washington State
2011
Hempfest 2011 (20th Anniversary)
Medical Marijuana Law
2011
Current Issues in Search & Seizure
Criminal Defense Law with Apple
2011
Care Medical Group and Training Academy
Advanced Cannabis Law
2011
Cannabis College
Intro to Medical Cannabis Law
2010
Marijuana Liberation March
Implication of State v. Fry
2008
TruTV's Best Defense
Navid Haq Trial
Publications
2019
MG Magazine
30 Powerful Cannabis Attorneys You Should Know
2015
Washington State Bar Association Criminal Law Section
Impacts of Legalized Marijuana on Firearms Rights
2013
Washington State Bar Association Litigation News
Up in Smoke? Marijuana Law
2008
American Bar Association GP Solo: Law Trends and News
Law With An Apple
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long does a third degree theft stay on your record?
30 Dec 2009
Q&A
Possible sentencing lengths for arson 1 charge
01 Aug 2009
Q&A
What is third degree theft?
25 Jul 2009
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Possession of Stolen Property in Washington State
29 May 2008
Legal Guide
Malicious Mischief in Washington State
29 May 2008
Legal Guide
Vacation of Misdemeanor Conviction in Washington State
29 Apr 2008