Practice Areas
Industries
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1988
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
B.S., Political Science, 1985
Bar Admissions
Michigan
Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts
Licensed Beverage Control and Real Estate Attorney
Chris is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Team. He has significant experience representing retail license holders, including resorts, hotels, restaurants and retail developers. Chris also works with licensed suppliers, including brewers, distillers and wineries in all areas of alcoholic beverage regulatory matters, including licensing, enforcement and trade practice issues. He is well versed with the wholesale, distributor and importer provisions of the Michigan Liquor Control Code and regularly represents clients before the Michigan Liquor Control Commission in enforcement actions.
Chris routinely represents and counsels developers and property owners in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions, including acquisitions, sales, like-kind exchanges and leases. His work includes land use such as site plan review and zoning.
Experience
Obtained first brew pub permit issued by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau for a Michigan community college’s craft brewery program.
Represented a Michigan licensed brewer with state and local permits required for a supplemental taproom with brewery operations.
National coordinator for multistate licenses and permits for a western United States distillery applicant.
Successful development and creation of a multi-unit condominium project within a B-Hotel resort licensed hotel in Michigan, with approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Represented multiple location retailers with statewide off-premises and secondary permits for gas pump operations.
Handled the permitting and related land development planning for MiSpringboard clientele, including zoning approval and the required federal, state and local license requirements.
Professional Affiliations
Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys
American Mead Makers Association
Global Alliance of Hospitality Attorneys
Michigan Brewers Guild
National Licensed Beverage Association
State Bar of Michigan: Business Section, Alcoholic Beverage and Hospitality subcommittee, past chair
State Bar of Michigan: Real Property Section, Real Estate Ownership and Investment Entities, Mortgages and Related Security Devices subcommittees
Presentations
Panelist, West Michigan Brewers Discuss Changing Craft Beer Industry, MiBiz April 29, 2019