Personnel note: Former DBPR attorney Michael Martinez joins Greenspoon Marder alcohol beverage group

Florida firm Greenspoon Marder Law announced Friday the addition of attorney Michael Martinez as Senior Counsel for its growing Alcohol Beverage Group.

Martinez brings more than 15 years’ experience in state government in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). He will be based out of Greenspoon Marder’s newly opened Tallahassee office, joining its alcohol law, government relations, and lobbying division.

Focusing on a relationship with the Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco (ABT), Martinez served as Deputy General Counsel for the business units at the DBPR, working primarily on licensure issues. He previously served as Deputy General Counsel over Professions (2003-2007) and served as an adviser and registered legislative lobbyist on a broad range of industry matters.

During his tenure at the DBPR, Martinez oversaw regulation of alcoholic beverage and hotel licensure, zoning issues and implementation of The Florida Clean Indoor Air Act, among others.

“We are proud to have such a distinguished lawyer as Michael join our team of legal professionals and consultants,” said Robert F. Lewis, Co-Chair of the Greenspoon Marder Alcohol Beverage Group. “Michael’s familiarity with a broad spectrum of business and legislative matters will further expand Greenspoon Marder’s presence in the state capital where the firm will have greater capabilities in assisting clients with various lobbying and government relations efforts.”

Martinez also supervised legal strategies for the Divisions of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, Hotels and Restaurants, Florida Condominiums, Timeshares and Mobile Homes, and Drugs Devices and Cosmetics.

In his statement, Martinez said he chose Greenspoon Marder for its “outstanding alcohol beverage law” practice.

“The regulatory process is often complex and confusing. Clients want a team that has established relationships with key decision makers, proven industry experience, and the ability to provide competent advice,” he said.

Greenspoon Marder launched the Alcohol Beverage Group earlier this year with a dedicated Miami office led by veteran attorney Robert Lewis.  Recently, the firm hired prominent alcohol law attorney Louis J. Terminello. The Group will specialize in all sorts of alcohol-related legal issues, including licensing, permitting, land use approvals, trade practice regulations, government lobbying and litigation matters.

With the addition of Martinez in Tallahassee, the Alcohol Beverage Group has become one of the largest dedicated alcohol industry practice groups in the U. S., with 8 lawyers, 3 regulatory consultants and 12 alcohol licensing professionals.