Alcohol Attorney

Vicente LLP is a national law firm at the forefront of cannabis, psychedelics, and other emerging industries. Our Alcohol Beverage and Hospitality practice extends this leadership by representing clients navigating the highly regulated alcohol and hemp-derived beverage industries. We advise producers, distributors, retailers, and ancillary businesses on achieving compliance, mitigating risk, and growing responsibly in a rapidly evolving legal landscape.

We are seeking an experienced Alcohol Beverage Attorney with specialized knowledge in alcohol and hemp-derived beverage regulation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in regulatory compliance, licensing, and commercial transactions across the traditional alcohol beverage sector and the emerging category of hemp-derived beverages, including those containing cannabinoids like CBD or THC. This role involves advising clients across all tiers of the supply chain and helping them respond to shifting federal and state policies governing beverage formulation, labeling, marketing, and distribution.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide legal counsel on federal, state, and local alcohol beverage laws, including matters governed by the TTB, FDA, and state alcohol control boards
• Advise clients on the production, sale, and distribution of hemp-derived beverages, including compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill and state-level cannabinoid regulations
• Obtain and maintain alcohol and hemp-related licenses and registrations at the federal, state, and local levels
• Counsel on complex issues involving beverage formulation, packaging, and marketing of THC- and CBD-infused products
• Draft and negotiate distribution, manufacturing, white-label, and retail agreements
• Support clients in navigating tied-house restrictions, advertising rules, and trade practice regulations
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments related to hemp-derived beverages and the broader alcohol and cannabis sectors
• Represent clients in administrative proceedings, audits, and enforcement actions
• Collaborate with Vicente LLP’s multidisciplinary teams in corporate, IP, litigation, and policy as needed
• Contribute to thought leadership and client education through legal alerts, presentations, and publications

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school with strong academic credentials
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
• 4–8 years of experience in alcohol beverage law
• Strong understanding of the regulatory overlap between the TTB, FDA, USDA, and state agencies regarding hemp-derived products
• Experience representing suppliers, wholesalers, or retailers in licensing and compliance matters
• Exceptional writing, communication, and legal research skills
• Ability to manage complex projects and interact effectively with entrepreneurs and in-house counsel
• This role can be located in the following metro areas: Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, and Boston

Preferred Skills

• Prior experience with hemp-derived THC or CBD product compliance, including Delta-8 and other emerging cannabinoids
• Understanding of the patchwork of state regulations around intoxicating cannabinoids in beverages
• Book of business or demonstrated ability to grow client relationships

Why Join Vicente LLP?

Vicente LLP offers a mission-driven, collaborative environment where lawyers are encouraged to take ownership of their work and make meaningful contributions to client outcomes. As a nationally recognized leader in cutting-edge regulatory sectors, we offer a unique opportunity to help shape emerging industries while advancing your legal career.

Job Environment and Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, write, speak or hear. This position will work in an office environment, conditions are indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to 75% of the time. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Vicente is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history or any other characteristic protected by law.