Brandt F. Erwin
- Shareholder
Biography
Brandt is a nationally recognized expert on alcohol & hemp-derived THC beverages. He advises clients on navigating complex regulatory frameworks, structuring distribution agreements, and advancing his clients’ business objectives in the alcohol and hemp-derived THC markets. Brandt’s knowledge and expertise in the industry have made him a nationally acclaimed, sought-after speaker, moderator, and panelist throughout the United States. He educates industry and legislative bodies about the emerging mood-altering beverage industry, impacts on state governments, consumers, licensing bodies, and alcohol industry.
Known for practical, business-minded advice, Brandt has led liquor licensing acquisitions for major Twin Cities sports and entertainment venues including securing licenses and government approval on zoning and operational components. Brandt has significant experience negotiating agreements for distributors, ensuring importation and sale of alcoholic beverages remain legally compliant. He also works with states to formulate and create regulatory systems to uphold health and public safety for highly regulated products.
Brandt has been recognized as a "Rising Star" and has been named Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Brandt received his J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. While at Hamline, he was a Primary Editor on the Hamline Law Review, served as a class representative for the Student Bar Association, and earned Dean's List honors. Prior to law school, Mr. Erwin attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts before transferring to Bridgewater State College and earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.
Prior to joining the firm, Brandt was the law clerk for the Honorable Mary A. Yunker in the Tenth Judicial District of Minnesota. This opportunity gave him the benefit of learning from an experienced attorney and judicial officer, and he acquired experience in a variety of areas of the law.
Brandt is currently licensed to practice in all Minnesota state courts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 5th, 8th, and 9th Circuits, and the United States Supreme Court.
Practice Areas
- Alcohol Beverage Law, Litigation and Regulation
- Alcohol Licensing
- Distribution and Franchise Law and Litigation
- Corporate/Commercial Law
- Business/Civil/Commercial Litigation
Professional Associations
- President and Legal Counsel for the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association, 2022-Present
Bar Admissions
- Minnesota, 2011
- U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 2013
- U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 2014
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2016
- U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 2018
- U.S. Supreme Court, 2018
Education
- Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota
- J.D. - 2011
- Honors: magna cum laude
- Honors: CALI Award for Excellence in Commercial Transactions
- Law Review, Hamline University School of Law, Associate Editor/Primary Editor, 2009, 2011
- Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Massachusetts
- B.S. - 2006
- Honors: cum laude
- Honors: Dean's List
- Major: Criminal Justice
Fraternities or Sororities
- Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity


