Hi there! I’m happy you’re here.

My name is Ashley Brandt and I’m an attorney in Chicago representing clients in the food and beverage and media industries. A while back I kept getting calls and questions from professionals and others looking for advice and information on a fun and unique area of law that I’m lucky enough to practice in. These calls represented a serious lack of, and need for, some answers, news, and information on the legal aspects of the alcoholic beverage industry, cannabis law, Chicago Liquor Licenses, Illinois Liquor Licenses, Wisconsin Liquor Licenses and a host of other craft beer, distilled spirits, wine, marijuana and other related topics. I’ve got this crazy belief that information should be readily available and that the greatest benefit from the information age is open access to knowledge… so … LIBATION LAW BLOG.

I know efforts to educate are making an impact because now I get phone calls when a blog post didn’t cover a specific topic or address a nuanced issue of some concern… not because someone can’t find a decent contract brewing or distribution agreement online. Read about me in Chicago Lawyer Magazine.

I’m lucky to have been an attorney for a while now which is a career that has given me some amazing opportunities, wonderful experiences, and an appreciation and love for this work. I have represented distillers, brewers, growers, breweries, dispensaries, distributors, vintners, bars and restaurants, enthusiastic start-ups and incredibly large international brands (think five-story fermenters). I’ve helped them with their corporate governance, shareholder and licensing issues, regulatory matters, customs/importation and brand protection issues like trademarks and copyrights. I’ve seen them through their negotiations, disputes, and lawsuits. I’m grateful that these people have let me be their counsel and help them through their problems.

I live in Chicago and work for an exceptional law firm, Tucker Ellis LLP with some truly brilliant people.

Feel free to contact me at any time with any issues, comments, concerns… frankly, after reading this far, I hope you take the time to at least let me know what you think about the blog and how I can make it a better resource.