Rachael Ardanuy

Adjunct Professor

Faculty
Externship Program

Specialization(s)

Externships

Professional Biography

Rachael Ardanuy is an adjunct professor in the Legal Externship Program. She is a distinguished attorney licensed in Colorado, Florida and New Jersey, a thought leader in the field of cannabis law and policy, and founder and lead attorney at RZA Legal. With over a decade of legal experience, Rachael’s specialties include guiding entrepreneurs through starting up and building their business foundation, negotiating real estate transactions, buying and selling businesses and business assets, preparing and reviewing contracts, confirming regulatory compliance, preparing an exit strategy, business succession and estate planning. Her commitment to excellence and innovative approach to legal challenges have established her as a trusted advisor for clients across various industries including marijuana, liquor, hospitality, manufacturing, service- and product-based businesses, healthcare, and agriculture.

Throughout her career as a practicing attorney, Rachael has remained dedicated to education and mentorship: she developed the first cannabis law class for Community College of Denver’s paralegal program, hosts undergraduate and law students as law clerks at RZA Legal, is managing editor and contributing author of Colorado’s first Cannabis Law Treatise, and teaches continuing legal education programs on ethics, cannabis law, psychedelics law and policy, estate planning, and more – her engaging presentation style and ability to distill complex concepts into actionable advice make her a sought-after speaker and educator.

Rachael is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Larimer County Bar Association, and Colorado Women Owned Law Firms (“W.O.L.F.”), and actively participates in pro bono initiatives and mentorship programs aimed at supporting students and underrepresented groups, including serving as a volunteer attorney with the Colorado Small Business Legal Assistance Program through the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.