Christopher J. Gartman

Chris specializes in advising craft beverage manufacturers. He functions as outside general counsel to breweries, wineries, and distilleries clients from small start-ups to regional and multi-national. Chris leads clients through initial licensing and permitting, aggressive growth phases, trade practice compliance, mergers and acquisitions, negotiating and terminating distribution agreements, intellectual property protection, and all manner of general commercial contracting.

Chris brings a unique blend of legal acumen and industry experience. Before joining Miller Canfield, Chris was assistant head brewer and quality manager at the Five Points Brewing Company in Hackney, London, which followed various production and public facing roles with Milwaukee Brewing Company. Chris provides invaluable insights and guidance to clients navigating an ever-changing and complex regulatory environment. His dual background makes Chris particularly adept at identifying regulatory issues before they become costly problems. He is known for his thorough understanding of the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau as well as alcohol control laws of the various states.

Chris’ litigation experience encompasses a broad spectrum of commercial disputes, primarily representing alcohol beverage industry clients in both state and federal courts.  Representative matters include civil challenges to local government regulation, shareholder and partnership disputes, intellectual property infringement, construction lien issues, and business torts.

You can follow Chris on X at @BevCounsel.