In this episode of the Legal Growth Podcast, host Aaron Fulk sits down with Jason Adelstone, attorney at Harris Sliwoski LLP, to explore how an unconventional career path, global perspective, and adaptability are shaping success in emerging areas of law like cannabis and international business.

Jason shares his unique journey from spending over twenty years in the restaurant industry to traveling to Antarctica, and ultimately finding his way into law later in life. Drawn by an interest in business, regulation, and emerging industries, he built his legal career around corporate law and international cannabis policy — carving out a niche by becoming one of the few attorneys deeply versed in global cannabis regulations and treaty compliance.

He explains how a simple piece of advice early in his legal career — to find something no one else is doing and become an expert in it — led him to track cannabis policy across the globe, study international treaties, and even teach law students on the subject. That intentional focus helped him build both credibility and opportunity in a rapidly evolving space.

Jason also reflects on his biggest growth milestone: gaining true confidence as an attorney after entering the profession later in life, and building a practice on his own terms. Now at Harris Sliwoski LLP, he has expanded both his client base and his international reach, working on cross-border transactions, manufacturing agreements, and global regulatory issues.

Beyond legal knowledge, Jason highlights how his background in hospitality became one of his greatest advantages — teaching him communication, adaptability, and the ability to thrive under pressure. He also shares a forward-looking perspective on AI, emphasizing that attorneys who are flexible, multi-disciplinary, and willing to evolve will be best positioned for the future.

Listeners will learn:

• How Jason transitioned from the restaurant industry to a legal career in his 30s

• Why emerging industries like cannabis law reward early specialization and curiosity

• How becoming an expert in a niche area can accelerate career growth

• Why hospitality experience builds essential skills for lawyers

• How confidence develops through experience — especially for non-traditional attorneys

• Why being a “jack of all trades and master of one” is a competitive advantage

• How AI is reshaping legal work — and why adaptability is critical

👉 Tune in for a dynamic and insightful conversation about career reinvention, niche expertise, and how thinking differently can create powerful opportunities in the legal industry.