James Marion

James Marion is a California attorney specializing in intellectual property and business law.  He is the principal attorney at Law Offices of James P. Marion, Esq., which he founded in San Francisco in 2013 with a goal to bring his specialized services to the cannabis and entertainment spaces, as well as several other industries.

James brings over a decade of entertainment business experience to this boutique practice, with valuable insight gained by working extensively with individual entrepreneurs and creative talent, as well as established industry players.  Since the firm's inception, James has also worked on the forefront of developments in cannabis law in California and nationwide.

His aim is to furnish the personalized attention, strategy and service required to meet unique legal needs, while fostering a collaborative environment that avoids distraction from clients' daily artistic processes, business practices and personal lives.

Professional History

Prior to entering the legal field, James worked for many years as Creative Executive at The Film Sales Company in Manhattan, where he had the privilege of working on numerous films, including Oscar-winning & nominated documentaries like Born Into Brothels, Iraq in Fragments and My Architect, as well as theatrical successes like Waitress and Fahrenheit 911. In that time, he gained an intimate knowledge of independent film development, sales and distribution.

He has likewise accrued a diverse range of experience in other areas of film and television production, and has been involved with the release of major motion pictures and content from New York to New Zealand.
 

James' legal track record includes working for both New Media Rights, a California non-profit organization providing legal services for internet / tech-based and other creative clients, and Bienstock & Michael, P.C., a New York entertainment and intellectual property law firm, specializing in the music and musical instruments business.

Education and Awards

James is a graduate of California Western School of Law where he earned his J.D. with awards for Academic Excellence and Academic Achievement, as well as the Pro Bono Honors Society Award.  James received a B.A. from Connecticut College where he was awarded for distinction in the fields of Film Studies and Creative Writing.

Memberships

James is a member of The State Bar of California, The American Bar Association, The National Cannabis Bar Association, The ArcView Group, The National Cannabis Industry Association, California Lawyers for the Arts and The Bar Association of San Francisco where he is the founder and acting Co-Chair of the Barristers Cannabis, Alcohol and Regulated Industries Section.  He is also a regular contributor to San Francisco Attorney Magazine and the Daily Journal, and sits on the Board of Directors for the New Arts Foundation and the Jacques Weber Foundation.

Personal Interests

Outside the office, you will likely find James situated in front of a book, script, screen, stereo, concert stage or kitchen table, enjoying himself with family, friends and clients.  It is not uncommon to see him kitesurfing around the Bay or enjoying one of many other favorite outdoor activities in the area.