Press Release
Press Release
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
09.17.20
Today, Pillsbury announced the addition of former California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Director Jacob Appelsmith as senior counsel in the firm’s Sacramento office. Appelsmith rejoins the firm at which he began his career 25 years ago, bringing substantial experience to the firm’s nationally recognized Wine, Beer and Spirits Law and Litigation practices.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jacob back to the firm where he began his legal career,” said Sacramento office managing partner Carrie Bonnington. “His immense experience at the ABC is an ideal match for our Wine, Beer and Spirits practice, and there is no doubt our clients will benefit greatly from his extensive connections throughout California.”
Earlier this year, Appelsmith completed a three-year stint—his second—as Director of the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. As the ABC’s chief regulator, Appelsmith oversaw all aspects of the state agency responsible for the administration, licensing, and compliance of alcohol beverage industry members. He filled the same governor-appointed role from 2011 to 2013. Appelsmith served as Chief Campus Counsel at the University of California, Davis, in between, managing University legal affairs including business transactions, competitive bidding, finance, energy projects, international initiatives and litigation.
Appelsmith served as a senior advisor to former California Governor Jerry Brown for several years, most notably in connection with Native American Tribal affairs. He also spent nearly two decades at the California Department of Justice, where he held a variety of positions in the office of the Attorney General including Chief of the Bureau of Gambling Control.
“I am honored to be able to continue my career back where it began,” said Appelsmith. “Over the years, Pillsbury’s status as an outstanding law firm has only grown. I believe the extensive relationships and experience I have gained with the State of California can help advance that reputation even further.”
Pillsbury’s Wine, Beer and Spirits Law practice is ranked by Chambers USA as an industry leader. Representing alcohol beverage clients for 30+ years, the firm advises wineries, distilleries, breweries, wholesalers, importers, retailers and unlicensed third parties in all areas of the alcohol beverage industry. Pillsbury regularly advises clients in connection with regulatory compliance matters as well as before federal and state alcohol beverage agencies, in general civil litigation matters and transactional matters. The firm also represents select clients in the legal medicinal and adult-use cannabis industry.