GrayRobinson, one of the nation’s leading law firms with a distinguished reputation in regulated products, has announced that William “Bill” Kelley has joined its highly ranked national Alcohol Law Team as a beverage consultant. The team, which has once again been recognized with a Band 1 ranking for Food & Beverages: Alcohol in USA-Nationwide by the prestigious Chambers USA Guide 2025, is considered among the top legal groups serving the alcohol beverage industry. Kelley, based in the firm’s Tampa office, brings an extraordinary breadth of knowledge and experience gained over more than 40 years in government service, trade association leadership, and private practice.
Kelley will serve retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers across the alcohol sector, providing practical legal and compliance guidance at a time when the industry is facing both increased regulatory scrutiny and rapidly changing market dynamics. His unique career trajectory—spanning roles as a regulator, an industry advocate, and legal counsel—gives him an insider’s perspective on how laws are interpreted and enforced, an invaluable asset to businesses navigating the complexities of alcohol regulation.
A Distinguished Career in Alcohol Law and Regulation
Much of Kelley’s career has been rooted in his service as general counsel to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC), where he spent more than two decades. In that role, he became deeply involved in licensing, enforcement, adjudication, and regulatory policymaking. Kelley regularly collaborated with the Massachusetts attorney general’s office, local licensing authorities, and a wide array of industry stakeholders. His long tenure at the ABCC allowed him to see firsthand how regulators balance public interest, economic growth, and compliance—insight that continues to shape his approach today.
Following his public service, Kelley transitioned to industry leadership when he became president of the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts, a role he held for ten years. There, he represented the state’s largest wholesale beer distributors before legislative and regulatory bodies. He was instrumental in shaping state alcohol policy, while also working closely with national trade organizations to ensure that the perspectives of Massachusetts wholesalers were represented on a broader stage. His ability to advocate for the industry while fostering constructive relationships with regulators earned him a reputation for fairness, pragmatism, and thought leadership.
Kelley’s background also extends into private practice, where he has advised startups, family-owned distributors, and large national suppliers on critical issues including licensing applications, ownership transfers, compliance programs, and market-entry strategies. This experience equips him to help businesses at every stage of development—from new entrants navigating their first license to established corporations expanding into new territories.
GrayRobinson Leadership Welcomes Kelley
Richard Blau, chair of GrayRobinson’s Regulated Products Section and leader of the Alcohol Law Team, highlighted the importance of Kelley’s addition.
“Through his service as general counsel to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission and later as president of the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts, Bill Kelley earned deep respect across the industry for his knowledge and leadership,” Blau said. “We are proud to welcome Bill to our team of former federal and state alcohol regulators, bringing unparalleled insight and experience to our clients.”
Blau emphasized that the Alcohol Law Team’s strength lies in its diverse backgrounds, with members including former federal and state regulators, trade association executives, and experienced private practitioners. The addition of Kelley, with his long record of service and credibility, further enhances the team’s ability to deliver strategic solutions to a wide range of clients.
Kelley’s Perspective on Joining GrayRobinson
For Kelley, joining GrayRobinson represents both a continuation and an evolution of his career in alcohol beverage law.
“I am honored to join GrayRobinson’s Alcohol Law Team to help clients navigate the challenges and opportunities in today’s marketplace,” Kelley said. “Drawing on my experience with both regulators and industry members in the Northeast, I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to deliver practical solutions that will help advance our clients’ business objectives.”
His comments reflect his well-known approach to problem-solving: combining a strong grasp of legal frameworks with a business-oriented mindset that emphasizes solutions rather than roadblocks.
A Career Rooted in Public Service and Industry Leadership
Kelley’s entry into alcohol law began with his early career in public service, where he developed a deep appreciation for the regulatory landscape and the importance of compliance. That foundation allowed him to later serve as a trusted advisor and advocate for both regulators and industry stakeholders.
During his time with the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts, Kelley also held leadership roles with regional and national trade associations, giving him visibility into policy debates and industry challenges beyond state borders. His work helped align state-level advocacy with national priorities, ensuring that Massachusetts remained a leading voice in discussions on alcohol distribution and policy reform.
Over the years, Kelley has become a sought-after speaker and trainer, addressing both legal professionals and industry audiences on topics ranging from compliance best practices to emerging regulatory trends. His presentations often highlight not only the legal aspects of alcohol law but also the business strategies companies can adopt to remain competitive in a tightly regulated environment.
Education and Recognition
Kelley earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School, a respected institution known for producing lawyers who excel in regulatory and public service roles. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross, where he developed the foundation for his lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
His reputation as a trusted advisor is reinforced by decades of recognition at both the state and national levels. Clients and colleagues alike commend his ability to translate complex legal requirements into actionable strategies that support business growth.
Strengthening GrayRobinson’s Position in Alcohol Law
The addition of Bill Kelley underscores GrayRobinson’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its role as a premier firm for alcohol beverage law in the United States. The Alcohol Law Team regularly advises clients on licensing, regulatory compliance, distribution, and litigation matters, serving some of the largest and most innovative companies in the industry.
As the alcohol marketplace continues to evolve—driven by consumer demand for new products, changes in distribution models, and heightened regulatory oversight—the need for experienced legal counsel has never been greater. Kelley’s appointment positions GrayRobinson to meet these demands with even greater depth and expertise.
