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Biography

Since joining Frost Brown Todd, Nolan has carved a niche as a go-to business litigation and regulatory attorney. In particular, Nolan has successfully handled complex commercial disputes in federal and state courts throughout Kentucky and has represented clients in administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings on various federal and state law claims. Additionally, he has helped grow Frost Brown Todd’s hemp regulatory group into the preeminent practice in the United States. In this role, Nolan has advised clients at all levels of the hemp and derivative products supply chains on myriad issues, including compliance, contract enforcement, import/export, inspections, labeling and packaging, licensing, and litigation.

Prior to joining Frost Brown Todd, Nolan gained extensive work experience in government, which has facilitated his efforts drafting hemp legislating and advising lawmakers and regulatory officials on hemp issues. Specifically, Nolan has completed internships with the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. Nolan has also worked for two members of the House of Lords and a member of the U.S. Congress. While in law school, Nolan was a member of the Moot Court Board National Team and Kentucky Law Journal. He also represented the University of Kentucky College of Law as a Student Government senator and University Supreme Court Justice.

 

Other Info About Nolan

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Under emergency circumstances, assisted client in being deemed a life-sustaining business and being permitted to resume operations during COVID-19 closure

Counseled dozens of clients on myriad hemp business and regulatory matters, including federal preemption, interstate commerce, import and export, joint venture, labeling and packaging compliance, and licensing and registration

In federal court, won $362,000 judgment on brokerage agreement claim

Won dismissal of felony criminal indictment against hemp products distributor

In federal court, won dismissal of $15 million complaint asserting conspiracy, fraud, and RICO claims

Successfully represented hemp processor before Kentucky Department of Agriculture on administrative violations

In various federal courts, successfully represented multiple clients against website accessibility claims asserted under the Americans With Disabilities Act

In federal immigration court, pro bono representation of petitioner for asylum and adjustment of status

Represented presidential candidate in student government election appeal

Education

Law School

University of Kentucky College of Law, J.D., 2016

Undergraduate School

University of Kentucky, B.A., Political Science, 2013, magna cum laude

Certifications

Johns Hopkins University, Certificate in Intelligence, 2020

Bar Memberships

Nolan is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Washington, DC, 2022

Kentucky, 2016

 

Courts

Nolan is admitted to practice before the following court(s):

U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky

Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Selected for inclusion in Kentucky Rising Stars® 2023

CALI Award, Law and The Wire: A Seminar, 2016

Best Oral Advocate, Legal Research & Writing Club, 2014

Henry Clay Award, Kentucky Society of Washington, 2012

Professional Affiliations

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

American Bar Association

Kentucky Bar Association

Fayette County Bar Association

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

Kentucky Film Commission, 2020-2022

Trees Lexington!, Inc., Director, 2017-2021

Governor-elect Andy Beshear and Lieutenant Governor-elect Jacqueline Coleman Transition Team, Energy & Environment Cabinet subcommittee

Kappa Sigma Fraternity

Major Publications

Nolan is an author or contributor to the following publications:

“What is HHC? A breakdown of hexahydrocannabinol, how it’s made, its effects, and more,” quoted in Hemp Grower (2022) (view article)

“The State of Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids,” quoted in Hemp Grower (2021) (view article)

“Understand Delta-8 with CBD Brand Protection PR™,” featured on the Move the Stairs: CBD Brand Protection PR™ Podcast (2021) (listen to episode)

“What the Polls Produce: Why Kentucky Should Retain Nonpartisan Elective Selection of its Supreme Court Justices,” 105 Ky. L. J. 453 (2017)

“The Evolving Law and Regulation of Industrial Hemp in the United States,” Journal of Animal and Environmental Law, 12 (2017)

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