GrayRobinson Welcomes Former Massachusetts ABCC General Counsel William “Bill” Kelley to National Alcohol Law Team

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GrayRobinson is proud to announce William “Bill” Kelley has joined the firm’s national Alcohol Law Team – ranked Band 1 for Food & Beverages: Alcohol in USA-Nationwide by the Chambers USA Guide 2025 – as a beverage consultant. Based in the Tampa office, Kelley delivers practical legal and compliance counsel to retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers in the alcohol beverage industry. He brings more than four decades of experience spanning government service, trade associations, and private practice, giving clients rare insight into how regulators interpret and apply complex alcohol laws.

“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,” said GrayRobinson Regulated Products Section Chair Richard Blau, who leads the firm’s national Alcohol Law Team. “We are proud to welcome Bill to our team of former federal and state alcohol regulators, bringing unparalleled insight and experience to our clients.”

Kelley’s practice is built on a foundation of alcohol beverage law and regulation. As general counsel to the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for more than 20 years, he advised on licensing, enforcement, and regulatory matters, working closely with the attorney general, local licensing authorities, and industry stakeholders. Following his tenure at the ABCC, he led the Beer Distributors of Massachusetts for a decade, representing the state’s largest wholesalers before legislative and regulatory bodies while serving in leadership roles with both state and national trade organizations. Today, he applies this unique background to advise startups, family-owned businesses, and national suppliers on licensing, ownership transfers, compliance, and market entry strategies.

“I am honored to join GrayRobinson’s Alcohol Law Team to help clients navigate the challenges and opportunities in today’s marketplace,” said Kelley. “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.”

Kelley began his career in public service, building deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance challenges before expanding into trade association leadership and private practice. His experience across all three perspectives – regulator, industry advocate, and private counsel – equips him to provide clients with practical, business-oriented solutions in a highly regulated industry.

Kelley earned his Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from the College of the Holy Cross. A frequent speaker and trainer for both industry and legal groups, he is recognized as a trusted advisor on alcohol beverage regulation and compliance at the state and national levels.

About GrayRobinson

GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants recognized as one of the most influential legal-lobbying firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to close pivotal deals, resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 16 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com.