Benjamin P. Sheppard
Associate
Overview
Benjamin Sheppard has a broad range of commercial litigation experience. As a member of the Firm’s Financial Services Litigation Practice, he represents financial institutions and mortgage servicers in matters involving commercial and residential foreclosures, debt collection, lender liability, mortgage fraud/predatory lending, state and federal consumer protection statutes, and other alleged violations of law that lenders face.
Ben’s litigation practice spans both state and federal courts, where he has represented clients through all stages of the litigation process — from pre-trial discovery through trial, post-trial motions, and appeals. He has drafted complex legal memoranda, argued dispositive motions, and managed trials from start to finish. Ben has briefed and argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and is skilled at managing complex discovery, including document production and expert testimony. His courtroom experience and dedication to legal research and writing make him a versatile litigator capable of handling high-stakes cases across multiple practice areas.
Ben’s experience also includes handling a comprehensive range of liquor law matters, including distribution and contract production agreements, management agreements, and liquor license transfers. He has particular expertise with federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau licenses, as well as Pennsylvania and New Jersey liquor manufacturer licenses. Ben advises clients on compliance with state and federal regulations, helping businesses successfully navigate the complexities of the alcohol industry. Additionally, in the rapidly evolving cannabis law sector, Ben is recognized for his deep understanding of the intricate balance between state-specific and federal regulations governing both hemp and cannabis. His ability to navigate the nuances of Pennsylvania’s industrial hemp research law makes him a valued advisor for individuals and businesses. Ben provides strategic counsel on drug testing policies and the legal intricacies of cannabis and hemp regulations. He advises clients in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey on their respective cannabis and hemp laws, offering clarity in this dynamic and multifaceted field.
Awards and Recognition:
- Recognized as a 2025 Pennsylvania Rising Star
- Recognized in Cannabis Law Report’s Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers, 2024-2025
News and Insights
Publications
- “President Trump Signs Executive Order Directing Rescheduling of Cannabis Under the Federal Controlled Substances Act,” Eckert Seamans Regulated Substances Blog, December 19, 2025.
- “Pennsylvania State Attorney General and State Senate Seek Action on Hemp Businesses,” Eckert Seamans Regulated Substances Blog, November 2025.
- “Missing the Mark: The Case for Removing Cannabis from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List,” 52 Cal. W. Int’l L.J. 587 (2022)
- “Contemplating Arbitration in Disputed Congressional Elections: A Case Study with the Closest Senate Election in U.S. History,” 20 U.N.H. L. Rev. 229 (2022)
- “The Ballot Is Stronger Than the Bullet: Alaska’s Superior Strict Scrutiny Approach to Ballot Access Laws,” 38 Alaska L. Rev. 183 (2021)
- “Carney v. Adams: Standing on Unaffiliated Voters’ Rights,” Wash. L. Rev. On the Docket (March 13, 2021)
- “Half-Baked: Remedying the Confusion Between State Medical Cannabis Protections and Federal Laws on Drug Testing for Federal Contractors,” 43 U. Haw. L. Rev. 231 (2020)
- “Going for the Green: Social Equity in the Recreational Cannabis Industry,” 8 Lincoln Mem’l UL Rev. 280 (2020)
Media Coverage
- “Delta 8 caught in cloud of confusion,” Altoona Mirror, September 11, 2023
Interests
Ben enjoys screenwriting in his free time. He is an avid trivia enthusiast and has a deep appreciation for presidential history, including a growing collection of presidential campaign memorabilia. Ben also enjoys exploring different regions of the United States. He often combines those trips with stops at local craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries.