Area of Law

Sean O’Leary helps businesses navigate the complex and confusing world of liquor regulatory issues. As the former Chief Legal Counsel of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, he understands regulatory complexities from both sides.

He has successfully represented clients whose business structure and operations were investigated by state regulatory agencies. Further, he has worked with clients to develop businesses models that fit into complex regulatory schemes.

O’Leary Law and Policy Group has become an active participant in shaping the future of the direct to consumer (DTC) shipping industry. Whether it is advocating at the United State Supreme Court for opening up wine shipping markets, defending DTC companies in front of state agencies, strategizing with companies to allow their businesses to run sophisticated DTC operations and still comply with the law, or providing solutions on how to expand into different markets, O’Leary Law and Policy has become a strong resource for DTC companies.

O’Leary Law and Policy Group has become an active participant in shaping the future of the direct to consumer (DTC) shipping industry. Whether it is defending DTC companies in front of state agencies, strategizing with companies to allow their businesses to run sophisticated DTC operations and still comply with the law, or providing solutions on how to expand into different markets, O’Leary Law and Policy has become a strong resource for DTC companies.

O’Leary Law and Policy Group helps firms navigate through the complex licensing requirements for federal, state, and local governments. With various contacts throughout government agencies, we can help clients navigate through a difficult process.  learn more…

O’Leary Law and Policy Group represents clients that want to lobby for changes to highly regulated industries such as liquor and cannabis. Sean
O’Leary is a registered lobbyist with the State of Illinois, and advocates on behalf of increasing DTC wine shipping options.

Mr. O’Leary played a crucial role in making cocktails-to-go legal in Illinois. He was a major part of an advocacy group, Cocktails-For-Hope, which spearheaded efforts to pass legislation. His advice was sought in drafting the legislation signed into law.

Mr. O’Leary also advocates for licensees in front of local governments. And advocates for expanding opportunities for hospitality business owners.

O’Leary Law and Policy Group provides expert witness testimony, litigation services, and amicus brief drafting. Sean O’Leary has drafted amicus briefs advocating for DTC shipping rights in the United States Supreme Court, state Supreme Courts and Federal Circuit Courts.

O’Leary Law and Policy Group plays an important role in influencing constitutional liquor issues.  Currently, Sean O’Leary is acting as Counsel of Record for a party seeking a Supreme Court ruling on Commerce Clause/21 Amendment Issues.

Mr. O’Leary’s analysis on constitutional issues pertaining to liquor is sought after by many clients and media outlets. Mr. O’Leary works with clients analyzing the constitutionality of laws which are impacting their business.

Mr. O’Leary is one of the most sought-after legal analysts by the media on constitutional issues. He contributed to articles pertaining to Constitutional issues in Wine Spectator, Wine Searcher, Forbes, the Drinks Business, Meininger’s Wine Business International, Decanter, and SCOTUSblog.

Our firm works with businesses to negotiate agreements including not limited to; agreements with wholesalers/suppliers, distribution agreements, trademark licensing agreements, commercial leases and marketing agreements.

Private Equity or Corporate groups may make a large acquisition and fail to properly account for tied-house or other conflicts with state liquor laws. We can review transactions to determine whether conflicts with state regulatory laws may exist.

We work to ensure that any issues with label approval and trademarks are taken care of for our clients.

Based on Sean O’Leary’s experience in a heavily regulated industry, he knows how to navigate through a complex regulatory system. Whether it’s issues with the tax systems or the licensing system or just compliance issues, we can provide solutions to clients. Further, he works as a bridge connecting people that want to get into the cannabis industry.