Paul A. Albarrán

Paul is an associate in Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice, where he represents clients in a variety of disputes and privacy matters, as well as regulatory matters impacting the cannabis industry.

Since joining Varnum, Paul has both brought and defended actions that span contracts, toxic torts, personal injury, and environmental law. He has particular experience representing auto suppliers and cannabis companies in complex commercial disputes. He also serves as a key member of the firm’s PFAS team in the sensitive and high-profile PFAS litigation that has garnered media attention throughout the state and country. Paul’s broad litigation practice has led to a vast understanding of e-Discovery, particularly in response to subpoenas from government agencies like the SEC, the FTC, and the DOJ.

Aside from his litigation practice, Paul is also a member of the firm’s Data Privacy and Cybersecurity and Mobility groups. Through the course of this work, he drafts notices for data breaches, advises companies on privacy policy compliance with various regulations, and advises companies on individual state requirements after experiencing a data breach. In the automotive space, Paul leverages his deep knowledge of traffic laws and regulations throughout the United States to advise clients on the potential legal obligations in developing autonomous vehicle technology.

Paul also advises companies in the cannabis industry.  He has assisted clients with licensing under both the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (“MRTMA”) and the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (“MMFLA”), both at the state and local levels.  Additionally, Paul has represented cannabis clients in various litigation matters – from disputes relating to the sale of growing facilities, equipment, and cannabis strains, to disputes with local municipalities relating to local licensing approval.  Lastly, Paul has also advised cannabis clients engaging in white label manufacturing agreements with both in-state and out-of-state cannabis entities.

For the past three years, Paul has been named by Best Lawyers^® as one of the “Ones to Watch,” a designation given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers in recognition of their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.