Press Release 11.10.21
Jacob Appelsmith helps clients navigate California’s complex regulatory schemes regarding alcoholic beverages, cannabis, gaming, and state government processes.
Prior to rejoining Pillsbury, Jacob served as Director of California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), Chief of the Bureau of Gambling Control at the Department of Justice, a senior advisor to California’s Governor and two of California’s Attorneys General, and as a Chief Campus Counsel for the University of California. With over 25 years of public-sector experience, Jacob’s diverse legal background has included negotiating tribal gaming compacts, public-private partnerships, and other complex agreements.
Representative Experience
- Former Director of California’s Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, handling all aspects of this State agency’s legal, licensing, enforcement, and policy programs.
- Served as Senior Advisor to former California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on legal matters involving Native American tribes, public safety, emergency management, and gaming.
- Former Chief Campus Counsel for the University of California, Davis, responsible for all aspects of the university’s legal affairs, including its hospital and health system.
Professional Highlights
- Distinguished Service Award from the California State Association of Counties in recognition for his work with local and tribal governments in building cooperation and relations (2012)
- The Neighborhood Market Association, Public Service Award
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- Speaking Engagements
- Speaker on various compliance topics at numerous industry events, including conferences for The Wine Institute, The California Restaurant Association, California Beer and Beverage Distributors, The California Craft Brewers Association (CBCA), the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), The California Alcohol Policy Alliance, the International Masters of Gaming Law, California Nations Indian Gaming Association, and the National Association of College and University Attorneys (NACUA).
- “Temporary Regulatory Relief in Crisis,” 2020 National Conference of State Liquor Administrators Annual Virtual Conference, June 17, 2020
Education
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J.D., University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Berkeley Law), 1988
Industrial Relations Law Journal, Associate Editor Berkeley Law Foundation, Executive CommitteeB.A., American History, Middlebury College, 1985
Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, Highest Honors for History Department; Marci J. Stewart Historical Prize
Admissions
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California
Clerkships
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Judicial Extern to Justice Allen Broussard, California Supreme Court (1987)