Known as a powerhouse within the cannabis industry, Yelena Katchko focuses her practice on corporate law, licensing, and regulatory compliance with an emphasis on representing the interests of Southern California’s commercial cannabis industry. She has represented medical cannabis clients in the City of Los Angeles since 2009 and has become one of the industry’s most recognized names. Her efforts are now dedicated to navigating her clients through the new regulated and licensed framework, preparing for acquisitions and exits, and ensuring the integrity of assets in mergers and roll-ups. Yelena is able to represent all types of cannabis businesses including retail dispensaries, cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, non-storefront delivery services, investors, MSO’s whether large or small.

Yelena was born in Kiev, Ukraine and first arrived in the United States at the age of 11. Prior to attending law school, she attended University of California Los Angeles for her undergraduate studies and completed a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with honors. She attended the Pepperdine University School of Law where she received her juris doctorate. She is admitted to practice before all courts in the state of California.

Yelena’s experience includes involvement in shaping the Medicinal and Adult Use cannabis regulations in both the City of Los Angeles and the State of California through a deep professional network, pro bono affiliations, local alliances and town halls. In particular, Yelena was integral to the city-wide resolution of City of Los Angeles v. 420 Grand et al. which provided a framework for the City of Los Angeles’ Proposition D limited immunity and, later, Measure M’s priority licensure. She has developed significant experience in local government matters by being a key part of discussions with officials on the ever-changing regulatory landscape and by working closely with policy makers to advocate on behalf of her clients.

For the year 2023-24, Yelena will serve as Vice Chair of Programming at the Los Angeles County Bar Association – Cannabis Section. Yelena is a founding member and partner of KVK.