is an associate with Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, where he works on matters involving liquor law, cannabis law, and litigation. He handles a range of liquor law concerns, from distribution and contract production agreements to management and license agreements. In the rapidly evolving realm of cannabis law, Mr. Sheppard stands out for his deep insights into the intricate balance between state-specific and federal regulations governing both hemp and cannabis. His ability to navigate the nuances of the Pennsylvania industrial hemp research law makes him a valued advisor for individuals and businesses navigating this multifaceted law. Clients frequently turn to Mr. Sheppard for guidance in crafting drug testing policies and gaining clarity on the legal intricacies surrounding cannabis and hemp. He has advised both Pennsylvania and New Jersey individuals on their state's respective cannabis and hemp laws. Throughout his career, Mr. Sheppard has been involved in various aspects of the litigation process. Mr. Sheppard has drafted complex memorandums of law in both federal and state court, handled discovery requests, and handled trials from start to finish. Previously, Mr. Sheppard served as a judicial law clerk in the Northampton County Court of Common Pleas. He also worked for the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project reviewing trial transcripts and drafting materials regarding the viability of innocence claims. Mr. Sheppard is a graduate of the George Washington University School of Law, where he was a member of the Public Contract Law Journal and was recognized with the GW Law Pro Bono Teal Award for completing over 50 hours of pro bono work during law school. He also graduated, summa cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh with his B.A. degree in history and political science.

is a member of the hospitality, alcohol and leisure industry group at Greenspoon Marder LLP. He concentrates on providing guidance to all tiers of the alcohol beverage industry, including suppliers, wholesalers and retailers. Mr. Berkman's principal expertise is providing counsel to upper-tier industry members on legal, regulatory, and operational concerns within the framework of federal and state(s) beverage alcohol laws and regulations. Areas of focus include complex Tied-House issues, contract negotiations, drafting and disputes, trade practice concerns, distribution matters, international trade of beverage alcohol and TTB and state alcohol beverage control issues. He has also advised third-party marketing companies, celebrity brand owners and influencers on many trade practice matters. Mr. Berkman is also versed in municipal zoning, permitting and licensing of vendors of alcohol (bars, restaurants and hotels). As an additional note, he grew up in the business and has deep ancestral roots in the trade. His great-grandmother was a pioneer in the field who was one of the first women to hold a liquor "salesman's" license in the State of New York. She parlayed that start into a large, female, and eventually family-owned beer distributorship that served the five boroughs of New York City for many decades. He earned his B.A. degree in international relations from American University, School of International Service; M.S. degree in forensic science from George Washington University; and his J.D. degree from St. Thomas University of Law. Mr. Berkman is admitted to practice in Florida.

is the founding shareholder of MDK Law, a firm emphasizing corporate, commercial and property law, and consulting in matters involving federal and international taxation. He is admitted to practice in Washington, New York, Texas and Oregon. Mr. Kimball is an adjunct professor of law at Eotvos Lorand and Masaryk Universities in Europe, and has served as a law school guest lecturer at Seattle University School of Law. He is also engaged as an expert witness in superior court cases involving limited liability companies, governance, and other member issues. Mr. Kimball has been admitted to the Second Circuit Bar (New York, Connecticut and Vermont), Fifth Circuit Bar (Texas and Louisiana), and the Oregon State Bar. He earned his J.D. degree and LL.M. (taxation) degree from the University of Washington School of Law, and also holds an LL.M. degree in transnational commercial practice from Europe. 

has represented wholesalers, suppliers, manufacturers, package stores, restaurants and bars since being admitted to practice in 1991. He represents all alcohol industry members before the State of Connecticut DCP and the Federal TTB, as well as in litigation matters in court. Mr. Berdon is a partner with the law firm of Berdon, Young & Margolis, PC, with offices in New Haven and Branford, Connecticut. He is also the executive director of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association and has served as its general counsel since 1992. Mr. Berdon has been a member of the Advisory Counsel of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America since 2004 and served as its chairman from 2010 to 2012. His practice also includes representing clients over a wide range of legal issues, both transactional and litigation. Mr. Berdon's practice includes representing individual closely held business, publicly traded companies as well as municipalities such as the Town of Branford (2005-2007; 2014-present) and political subdivisions such as the Pine Orchard Association (2007-2013) and the Branford Sewer Authority (nka the Water Pollution Control Authority) from 2005 to 2007 and 2013 to the present, He is a 1988 graduate of Duke University (B.A.) and earned his J.D. degree from the University of Connecticut in 1991. Mr. Berdon is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut and is admitted to the United States District Court for the State of Connecticut. He is a member of the American, Connecticut and New Haven County bar associations; the Connecticut and American Trial Lawyer associations; and the National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys. Mr. Berdon is also active within the Branford and greater New Haven communities through his service as the secretary and board member of the Branford Education Foundation (2004-present); member of the Board of Directors of Habitat For Humanity of Greater New Haven, Inc. ('99-'05); volunteer, Habitat For Humanity of Greater New Haven, Inc (1991 to present); a member of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Mishkan Israel (Hamden, CT; 2003-present); Trustee of the William Tarr Charitable Trust (1989-present); member of the Branford Representative Town Meeting (1995-1999); Branford Board of Assessors (2001-2003); Branford Board of Education (2008-2009); Branford Youth Lacrosse coach (2012-present).

is a partner with Husch Blackwell, and serves as general counsel to a wide variety of small and closely-held businesses as well as real estate investors and developers. He has significant experience working with craft breweries, distilleries and wineries on an array of issues including entity formation, financing and tax, real estate matters, intellectual property protection, operational issues, and distribution contracts. Mr. O'Brien's clients also include real estate agents, developers and investors, community banks, title companies, restaurant operators, manufacturing companies, franchised businesses, retired professional athletes, financial advisors, insurance agents, and consulting businesses. He is certified as a real property law specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association. A frequent lecturer and writer, Mr. O'Brien has presented and written articles on a variety of business and real estate topics. He is a regular guest on several radio shows and podcasts. Mr. O'Brien earned his B.S. degree, cum laude, from the University of St. Thomas and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from William Mitchell College of Law.

is in self-practice with a primary focus in mediation, as well as contractual and business law, which he also teaches. He retired as a Captain from the U.S. Navy after 30 years and still consults on matters of national security. Dr. Martinez is currently on staff at Angelo State University, where he teaches Intelligence and Security Studies. He is also on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Homeland and National Security Perspectives. Dr. Martinez has written articles involving transportation security and maritime cyberterrorism. He is a former special assistant attorney general for the state of Mississippi, and admitted to all Mississippi state and federal courts, Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. Court of Military Appeals, U.S. Court of International Trade, and U.S. Supreme Court. Dr. Martinez earned his B.A. degree in government from the University of Texas, his M.A. degree in legal studies from Antioch University, his M.S.S. degree from the U.S. Army War College and his J.D. degree from the Mississippi College School of Law.