Name: Justin M. Brandt
Age: 32
Title: Associate, Udall Shumway PLC
Married/Single: Married to Greta Brandt
Kids: Harvey (3.5 years old), Odette Marguerite (17 months) and our dog Piper (4)
City you live in: Phoenix (Arcadia neighborhood)
A typical day in my life includes…
getting up around 5:00 a.m., a workout, a few minutes in the cold plunge, helping the kids get ready for the day, solving my clients’ problems or working towards getting a deal closed, dinner with the family, putting the kids down and then collapsing on the couch!
I was born…
in Southern California and grew up in Orange, CA.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
it’s a wonderful place to raise kids. Also, the monsoons (we never had those in California).
I’m listening to…
The Joe Rogan Experience podcast – his guest for the episode is Dr. Jordan Peterson.
My family…
means everything to me. My dad is from Troisdorf, Germany and he immigrated to the United States in his early 20’s. He met my mom in Huntington Beach, CA after asking to borrow her license so that he could rent a surfboard. My brother (Derek) was 14 months older than me. He was my best friend for 17 years before he passed away. Derek had epilepsy, which is one of the reasons I got involved in the cannabis industry; I believe in educating the public about the use of medical cannabis to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. I miss my brother and think about him every day.
My wife (Greta) is a Phoenix-native and also happens to be a lawyer. She is General Counsel for SKY Dispensaries. I really lucked out with my in-laws, who I consider to be immediate family. My wife’s parents (Dick and Gretchen Wilson) are originally from Minnesota and still spend their summers in Alexandria, MN. I’m very close with my wife’s brothers (Andy Wilson and Peter Wilson). Andy and his wife Anne live in Chicago with their two beautiful kids (Ben and Audrey).
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
my brother and grandpa Joe one last time.
One thing I cannot live without…
family and friends. At the end of the day, relationships are one of the most valued things in life.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a professional skateboarder.
I’m inspired by…
people who overcome adversity.
The one person who motivates me is…
Jocko Willink.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
our reliance on fossil fuels and the depletion of natural resources.
The perfect day would be…
sleeping in and the beach in Bora Bora with no cell phone or internet coverage.
My first job was…
doing a commercial for Red Robin.
My favorite escape…
getting a good massage.
My life…
is like a box of chocolates.
I’m currently working on…
helping my cannabis clients deal with the recent Arizona Court of Appeals decision in State v. Jones.
Always…
be closing.
Never…
stop learning.
Favorite Quote…
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do” – Pelé
Biggest Dream…
that’s a tough question because there’s so many things I want to accomplish. That said, one thing I’m working towards right now (which may qualify as a dream) is to shoot under par.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
writing that is overly legalese.
More about Justin…
Justin is a business attorney at Mesa-based Udall Shumway who handles a variety of business and corporate transactions and represents clients throughout all stages of litigation. Most notably, he leads the firm’s newest practice area of cannabis law, where he advises cannabis-related businesses regarding the unique legal and regulatory issues surrounding the cannabis industry. He is passionate about helping emerging companies and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting a business and is committed to the long-term success of his clients.
Justin is a firm believer in giving back to the community, and like his colleagues at Udall Shumway PLC, he shares a willingness to put the needs of others before his own interests. He is a member of the Men’s Art Council for the Phoenix Art Museum and Playmakers for the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, organizations that promote intellectual curiosity and inspire creativity and diversity among the next generation of risk-takers.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys playing golf, riding his dirt bike, yoga, and learning new things. Justin was raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in 2014. He and his family enjoy traveling and spending time together outdoors.
