Whitt Steineker devotes a substantial portion of his practice to representing clients in the food and beverage industries, from breweries to distributors and wholesalers. Whitt understands the unique challenges of these highly regulated and dynamic industries. He knows clients in these industries need legal advice that combines deep experience and comprehension of the law with a working knowledge of how these businesses succeed.
In particular, Whitt has extensive experience advising breweries on various aspects of operations, including regulatory and licensing support, growth and expansion strategies (including capital raising), intellectual property protection and portfolio management, economic development opportunities, and real estate matters.
National Law Review, "Go-To Thought Leader," 2022 Listed in Benchmark Litigation "Future Star," Alabama, 2018-2021, 2023-2024 "40 & Under Hot List," 2016-2023 Listed in Chambers USA, Nationwide: Cannabis Law (Eastern United States) Listed in Cannabis Law Report, "Global Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers," 2023 Litigation Counsel of America, Associate Fellow Tire Industry Association, Certified Automotive Tire Service Technician Whitt is certified by the Tire Industry Association as an Automotive Tire Service Technician, which provides him with a unique training and legal perspective in tire litigation. Listed in the Birmingham Business Journal, "Rising Stars of Law," 2019 Listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," Personal Injury – Products: Defense, 2019 JD Supra Readers' Choice Award, “Top Read Article,” Trademarks Category, 2021 Manage the intellectual property portfolio for various breweries, including obtaining protection for a variety of marks relating to beers, logos, and taglines. Work with multiple breweries to prepare employment agreements for key personnel. Represent brewery in litigation regarding enforceability of non-compete covenant. Offer strategic guidance regarding craft brewery growth and expansion, including private securities offerings, debt offerings, and bank financing. Advise regional craft brewery regarding potential acquisition of brewery and related real estate assets. Advise wine importer regarding state and local distribution laws. Advise craft beer and spirit manufacturer on potential tax credits and other state and local incentives.
