Representing over 30% of the largest alcohol companies in the world, Alva’s clients include brewers, distillers, wineries, importers and retailers. She also represents clients in the growing cannabis space and has in-depth knowledge of the evolving legal and regulatory issues facing this industry. Alva’s work spans high-stakes audits, investigations, arbitration and litigation, as well as other areas affecting alcohol beverage and cannabis companies such as intellectual property, trade and tax. Her practice is on the forefront of emerging trends in the alcohol industry, including alcohol delivery services, new beverage collaborations and e-commerce.

As companies look to break into or expand their footprint in the alcohol industry, they turn to Alva for her extensive experience advising clients in major M&A transactions. Non-traditional beverage companies, large alcohol producers and private equity clients confidently rely on her to guide them through the ever-changing regulatory landscape of alcohol production, distribution and delivery, both through contemplated transactions and on an ongoing basis.

Alva often writes about and speaks on trends and regulatory matters affecting the alcohol and cannabis space. She is a co-editor of McDermott’s Alcohol Law Advisor blog and a frequent speaker at alcohol beverage industry conferences.

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• Advised private equity firms on partnering with and purchasing alcohol companies
• Helped Jim Beam bourbon producer Beam Suntory successfully negotiate a Renewable Energy Services Agreement with 3Rivers Energy Partners to develop and run the Booker Noe distillery’s renewable energy expansion
• Advised major retailers and e-commerce platforms on ways to navigate the ever-changing landscape of alcohol delivery and online sales
• Assisted several large suppliers in launching or partnering to bring NFTs to market
• Advised major suppliers on ways they can respond to growth and capture opportunities in the ready-to-drink cocktails market.
• Defended a national brewer against wage-and-hour breach allegations
• Represented multiple clients in website accessibility litigation
• Provided guidance to multiple clients through actual and potential recalls in both the United States and worldwide
• Assisted the fourth largest brewery in the US with its rollout of its hard seltzer brand, including TTB alcohol regulatory work and FDA expertise
• Provided guidance for a beer company on TTB rules and regulations relating to the formulation and marketing in different states for their hard seltzers and ready-mixed cocktails
• Provide the full range of corporate, commercial, regulatory and dispute resolution services for the largest family-owned winery in the US and one of the world’s largest wine companies
• Provide guidance for a liqueur producer on alcohol regulatory matters, including labeling and formula approval
• Conducted an extensive analysis of the ecommerce operations and partnerships for a major whiskey producer
• Advised a private equity firm on the $1.2 billion acquisition of the largest wine company in the Pacific Northwest and the third-largest premium wine company in the US
• Guided a Boston-based craft brewer and distributor through a dispute with another drinks company that makes sparkling hard tea and canned cocktails
• Assisted a technology platform that connects alcohol retailers with wholesalers to navigate regulatory landscape of state-by-state distribution regulations
• Represented several of the world’s largest spirits companies through the negotiation, drafting and execution of its distribution agreements for entire US market*
• Provided state-by-state and national alcohol beverage regulatory advice for major beverage suppliers, including advising on tied house considerations, marketing and advertising practices*
• Provided in depth analysis of both TTB and FDA related labeling and formula compliance
• Provided advice to an international brewer regarding opportunities to franchise in the United States
• Represented Italian based wine and spirits company in entering the US market and related national distribution agreements*
• Represented dozens of clients through the negotiation, drafting and execution of new and existing distribution agreements throughout the United States, Caribbean and overseas*
• Provided national regulatory counsel to multi-state retailers as well as software developer regarding 50-state legal treatment of digital coupon and related advertising programs*
• Provided state-by-state analysis of distillery laws and related privileges*
• Counseled numerous clients through the establishment of national licensing regimes and related compliance commitments*
• Defended numerous clients across the country before state and federal regulatory agencies regarding investigation and enforcement proceedings under state and federal alcohol codes*
• Represented numerous distributor termination actions between a national supplier and its in-state wholesalers to successful in-court and out-of-court resolutions*
• Provided analysis and counsel to software and logistics provider regarding marketing of CBD oil on website and related contractual and insurance recommendations*
• Provided analysis and counsel to US based distribution and supply company regarding legality of shipping CBD products under current federal guidance*
• Drafted national and international cannabis policies for international flavoring manufacturer*
• Provided analysis and counsel to international flavor manufacturing regarding sourcing CBD for research and development purpose*
• Provided analysis and counsel to software developer regarding providing services the participants in the cannabis industry*
• Provided analysis and counsel to pharmaceutical company regarding sourcing CBD from a non-DEA regulated facility*
• Provided analysis and counsel to CBD beverage company regarding sales and distribution within the US market*
• Represented numerous clients in seeking medical marijuana licenses in Pennsylvania*
• Represented lead underwriter in US cannabis delivery service IPO in Canada*

*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott.

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Courts/Agencies
US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
US District Court for the District of New Jersey
US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

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