Did you know that there is a field in Alcohol & Beverage Law?  Neither did we until Samuel Rubert joined Lakeside.  We had the pleasure of sitting down with him and learning more about his unique business.  Samuel Rubert Law is a full-service law firm specializing in the alcoholic beverage industry.

They represent industry members, restaurants, bars, hotels, liquor stores, brewers, distillers, wineries, and wholesalers in all of their legal needs.  They manage transactions, including purchases and sales of business and assets, stock sales, leasing, and coordinate financing for our clients.  They represent them in obtaining all of the necessary licenses and permits to operate an alcoholic beverage business, including federal, state, and local licensing.  And when their clients need it, they aid in litigation with the regulating agencies (administrative litigation) as well as commercial litigation over contracts.

Samuel has an interesting journey into law and the alcoholic beverage industry.  After graduating from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in Math and Religion, he enrolled in culinary school at the French Culinary Institute in NYC.  “I wanted to explore the field after working as a bar back and bartender in college.”

After graduating, he began working at a 3-starred restaurant as a line cook.  Although he fell in love with the industry, working nights, weekends and holidays was not appealing.  So, he made the decision to enroll in law school at the University of Miami.  “I was hoping to be a ‘restaurant lawyer,’ not knowing if such a thing existed and I was fortunate to find a lawyer to mentor me, and the rest is history,” Samuel recalls. 

When asked what is something most people don’t know about your industry, Samuel laughed and said, “that the alcoholic beverage industry even exists”.  He continued, “most people don’t even think that there are Alcoholic Beverage Law attorneys.  Most people think attorneys spend all day in court or on real estate transactions, but when you stop to think about the fact that there are TWO (2) Constitutional Amendments relating to alcohol and counting all of the alcoholic beverage outlets you pass on your way to work every day, you start to realize how heavily regulated and widespread the industry is.  These businesses have unique and particular needs that vary, sometimes slightly and sometimes greatly, from most other businesses, and we provide the insight and expertise they require.”  

Samuel stays busy expanding his client base further throughout the state and country; but also finds time to spend with his family.  He enjoys traveling with his wife and daughters and opening up his daughters’ eyes to what a big world we live in with endless possibilities.

He also enjoys cooking, especially ‘low and slow’ barbecue, middle eastern food, and pasta.  “I also enjoy riding my bike to burn off all of those delicious calories,” Samuel adds.

Lakeside Executive Suites has been a great home for Samuel Rubert Law due to its proximity to his house, major roadways and reasonable pricing.  “I have stayed (and I love Lakeside) because of the people that work here (both staff and other tenants).”  Samuel continues, “I have had offices in other shared spaces, and this is by far the best.  The camaraderie, events, and value are as good as I have been around.  While I hope to grow my business, I hope I never outgrow Lakeside.”