"L.A.'s Dopest Attorney" Has Harvard Pedigree

Deep in the New Yorker's exploration of the "gray-area" economy of California's marijuana growers and dispensers, a Harvard tidbit...

Deep in the New Yorker's exploration of the "gray-area" economy of California's marijuana growers and dispensers, a Harvard tidbit...

Deep in the New Yorker's extended exploration of the "gray-area" economy of California's marijuana growers and dispensers—the article, wrapped around cartoons and poetry, spans 13 pages—is a Harvard tidbit. Allison Margolin, J.D. ’02, the article notes, "has a reputation for getting cases dismissed," and even for getting pot plants out of police custody and back to the growers from whom they were seized.

Margolin's office is apparently in a building owned by Hustler publisher Larry Flynt. The Harvard-trained lawyer, a graduate of Beverly Hills High School and Columbia University, has something in common with clients: she holds a doctor's letter permitting her to possess marijuana legally for medical use (to treat an anxiety disorder, she told author David Samuels).

Margolin's personal website, where she bills herself as "L.A.'s dopest attorney," contains more information, links to previous media coverage, and a YouTube video showing her with a client.

Related topics

You might also like

This Harvard-Trained Lawyer Fights for the Rights of Chickens

Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.

This Harvard Graduate Brings Women of the Revolution to Life

Historical reenactor Lauren Shear reveals tricks of the trade for playing Tory loyalists, Revolutionary poets, and more.

How a Harvard Hockey Legend Became a Needlepoint Artist

Joe Bertagna’s retirement project recreates figures from Boston sports history.

Most popular

Your Harvard 2026 Commencement Week Guide

College reunions and Alumni Day will take place the following week

Harvard Releases Database of 1,613 People Enslaved by University Affiliates

Research continues to track down living descendants.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

Explore More From Current Issue

Historical scene depicting a parade with soldiers and a town square in the background.

When the Revolution Hit Cambridge, Harvard Moved to Concord

College students broke hearts and windows during their year in exile.

Historical battle scene with soldiers in red and blue uniforms, flags waving, chaotic action.

The Harvard-Trained Doctor Who Urged a Revolution

Before his heroic death, General Joseph Warren was dubbed “the greatest incendiary in all of America.”

Mercy Otis Warren in period attire writes at a desk by candlelight, surrounded by books.

The Woman Who Penned the Case for War

Mercy Otis Warren’s poetry and plays incited the Patriot movement.