Our lawyers regularly advise businesses on agency and regulatory issues, including matters before the Alcohol Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA), Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), and Board of Ethics and Government Accountability (BEGA).

In particular, our lawyers have extensive experience in the hospitality industry: Partner Tim Clinton co-owned five critically acclaimed Manhattan restaurants, and regularly advises restaurateurs and club owners in the District of Columbia. As a result, we are adept at advising and representing restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and other small-businesses facing legal challenges.



Among cases handled by our lawyers*:

  • Represented businesses in 72-hour emergency closure cases against the D.C. government.

  • Outside general counsel to popular D.C. music venue, including on ABRA compliance, lease disputes, and neighborhood challenges.

  • Defended Michelin-starred restaurant against claims of wage and hour violations.

  • Successfully defended nightclubs in connection with show cause hearings relating to security incidents on premises.

  • Successfully represented D.C. government official in ethics investigation before BEGA.

  • Successfully represented businesses in disputes with Advisory Neighborhood Coalitions.

  • Helped clients obtain, acquire, and transfer liquor licenses.

  • Successfully represented individual in appeal before Office of Administrative Hearings against Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs and real-estate developer.

* Some listed matters handled while the firm was in a general partnership called Clinton Brook & Peed.