Alcohol and Distribution Associate Attorney

A law firm is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Alcohol and Distribution Associate Attorney to join their team in San Francisco, CA. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in alcohol beverage law, complemented by experience in commercial corporate matters and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The role demands excellent organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. The successful candidate will be a proactive self-starter, able to provide practical legal advice and manage complex legal matters with a strategic approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide legal counsel on alcohol beverage laws, including compliance, licensing, and regulatory issues.
• Advise clients on federal, state, and local regulations impacting the alcohol beverage industry.
• Manage commercial corporate transactions related to alcohol distribution, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts related to the distribution and sale of alcohol.
• Represent clients before regulatory agencies and in administrative proceedings.
• Conduct legal research and provide strategic analysis on various regulatory and compliance matters.
• Oversee and manage legal projects, ensuring timely progress and successful completion.
• Collaborate with colleagues and clients to deliver high-quality legal services.
• Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging legal issues.
• Offer practical, risk-based legal advice and risk management strategies.

Requirements:

• 3-5 years of experience in alcohol beverage law, either in-house or at a peer firm.
• Admitted to practice law in the state of California.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage legal matters or significant segments of complex projects.
• Strong commercial corporate background, including experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A).
• Excellent organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload effectively and handle multiple competing demands.
• Proven judgment and ability to work well under pressure.
• Practical approach to framing legal advice and analysis based on risk assessment.

Education and Certifications:

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law in California.

Preferred Experience:

• Additional regulatory experience related to FDA or food law.
• Experience in both in-house and law firm settings.

Skills:

• Advanced legal research and analytical abilities.
• Proficiency in drafting and negotiating complex legal documents.
• Strong strategic thinking and risk management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and client communication abilities.
• High degree of professionalism and ethical standards.

Ranked as a Vault Law 100 international law firm, attorneys at this firm win by understanding their client's business, investing in their success, and by putting their interest ahead of their own. Associates boast working with brilliant attorneys, who are easy to work with, as well as having the opportunity for exciting, substantive legal work. The firm partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers, and shape markets. The attorneys at this firm bring their personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for their clients and the people they serve. Associate remark the firm is invested in their career destination and want to see the associates' career blossom. There is an opportunity to really grow, and the partners at the firm mentor associates and really care. The happiness factor is one of the firm's top priorities. As one associate put it, the firm is energized and it is an exciting place to be. The firms boasts a tightly-woven network of legal thought leaders who marry their passion for business with a deep, focused understanding of the law. Through their pro bono legal services, volunteer services, and charitable giving, lawyers at this firm are committed to giving back. This firm has been nationally ranked in 33 practice areas by US News.