Alcohol Law Attorney

Common Types of Alcohol Litigation:

• Claims Brought by State (ABC) and Federal (TTB) alcohol regulators, which often start with requests for documents and interviews.

• Distribution and contract disputes.

• Protests against license applications, license expansions, and petitions to change license conditions.

For each of these categories, it’s important to work with an experienced alcohol law specialist to help ensure the optimal outcome.

Litigation Strategies for Success:

• Setting yourself up for success: investigation, evidence gathering, and hearing preparation.

• Using mediation and arbitration to resolve disputes more efficiently.

• Evaluating the costs and benefits associated with settling claims with state and federal regulators for the lowest possible penalty.

• Appeal alcohol-related rulings strategically.

Whether your case involves a state or federal administrative law judge, state or federal court, mediation, or arbitration (or a combination of those forums), an alcohol law attorney can help you develop and implement the most time and cost-effective strategy for moving forward.

1. Understanding Complex Federal and State Requirements

Alcohol beverages are subject to a complex web of local, state and federal laws. These laws vary based on your role in the industry (producer, distributor, retailer, or other); whether you sell wine, beer, or spirits; and where you operate. When it comes to alcohol law, doing business in each of the 50 states is akin to operating in 50 countries. An alcohol law specialist can help you navigate the complex regulatory framework in each state your business operates in – or aims to – in the most efficient way.

2. Protection from Regulatory Violations

License holders have ongoing compliance obligations. They can face hefty fines, license suspension, or license revocation if something goes wrong – and it’s often far from obvious what the potential stumbling blocks are. An alcohol law specialist can help you maintain compliance and minimize risks.

3. Efficiency and Experience

Gillian’s practice is laser-focused on alcohol law. She has deep experience advising a wide range of clients across the alcohol industry and working directly with alcohol regulators under California’s complex regulatory framework and applicable federal law. A UC Berkeley School of Law graduate, Gillian remains a dedicated student of the law, closely tracking legislative changes and court decisions that could impact her clients. This focused, up-to-date expertise allows her to quickly understand a client’s situation and move efficiently toward an optimal outcome.

4. Handling Complicated Situations

Growing a licensed alcohol business is more difficult than growing businesses in other industries. Do you want to operate in multiple states? Sell directly to consumers? Acquire other licensed businesses? Resolve a regulatory investigation? Whether it’s a growth opportunity or a risk management situation, you need experienced legal counsel to navigate alcoholic beverage laws successfully.

5. Strategic Business Planning

Alcohol regulations don’t just affect your legal compliance—they shape your entire business model. An alcohol law attorney can help you structure your business operations, distribution strategies, and growth plans in ways that work within regulatory requirements rather than against them.