Lisa R. Barata, Former NJ ABC Deputy Attorney General, Joins CSG's Real Estate Group
Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC (“CSG”) is pleased to announce that Lisa R. Barata, a leading practitioner in alcoholic beverage law, has joined CSG after a stellar 25-year term with the State of New Jersey’s Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”). She joins the firm as Counsel with its Real Estate, Development & Land Use Group, and is based in CSG’s West Orange, NJ office.
In her role with CSG, Barata will draw upon her vast, firsthand experience as an alcoholic beverage compliance executive and administrator to assist clients in navigating the regulatory environment surrounding the manufacture, wholesale distribution and retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
Prior to joining the firm, Barata served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in the Counsel to the Director’s Office, where she was responsible for analyzing legal and regulatory issues and advising the Director; drafting legal opinions, special rulings and final agency decisions; providing legal advice interpreting Title 33; and handling appeals of municipal disciplinary actions against licensees. In addition, she served as the legislative liaison to the Attorney General’s Office, where she evaluated pending legislation for the Division.
Previously, she served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Division’s Enforcement Bureau, where she prosecuted violations of the law by every tier of the alcoholic beverage industry – including retail and wholesale licensees.
“As the retail sector continues its evolution from traditional brick-and-mortar to experiential, we recognize that liquor licensing will play an even greater role in New Jersey’s business and real estate communities,” said Mitchell S. Berkey, Chair of CSG’s Real Estate, Development & Land Use Group. “Lisa’s unmatched knowledge of ABC law, policies and procedures will be invaluable to our clients in staying ahead of this trend and maximizing growth opportunities in current and future real estate cycles.”
“During my tenure with the ABC, CSG’s attorneys were known to me as collaborative, creative thinkers and tenacious advocates for client interests. I am delighted to begin this new chapter in my career working alongside such well-respected problem solvers,” added Barata. “I look forward to using my experience to help clients navigate New Jersey’s complex alcoholic beverage environment and achieve their business objectives, as well as providing comprehensive counsel to the State’s retail, wholesale, manufacturing and ecommerce sectors.”
A graduate of the University of Delaware and the Widener University/Delaware Law School, Barata is licensed to practice in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
