Miller Canfield’s Joseph Infante Recognized as a 2024 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

November 21, 2024

Miller Canfield is proud to announce that Joseph Infante, leader of the firm's Craft Beverage Regulation Team, has been named among Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 2024 Leaders in the Law. This prestigious recognition honors Michigan attorneys who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and their communities.

Infante was a trailblazer in craft beverage law, and then spent nearly 15 years building that into a unique practice dedicated to serving breweries, wineries, and distilleries. Drawing from his personal passion as an award-winning homebrewer, he developed deep industry knowledge and established a niche practice at a time when few legal resources were available for craft beverage businesses. Today, he is recognized as one of the nation's foremost experts in this highly regulated industry.

"Joe's innovative approach to the law and his dedication to his clients and community exemplify the very best of our profession," said Miller Canfield CEO Mike Palizzi. "We are thrilled to see his hard work and leadership recognized with this well-deserved honor."

Infante's practice encompasses a wide range of legal services, including regulatory compliance, trademark and intellectual property matters, litigation, licensing, and branding. He has represented more than 200 clients in the alcoholic beverage space, assisted dozens of startups through licensing processes, and successfully negotiated distribution agreements that have shifted the balance of power in the industry.

Notably, Infante's recent litigation successes include representing wineries in Peninsula Township, Michigan, and Napa County, California, in high-profile disputes involving constitutional rights. His expertise has earned him speaking engagements at national and state conferences, such as the Craft Brewers Conference and Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Conference.

Beyond his professional achievements, Infante is a dedicated mentor within Miller Canfield and a committed community leader. He has volunteered with Hospice of Michigan for nine years, co-chaired its Barley, BBQ & Beats fundraiser, and served on the organization's Foundation Board. Joe's efforts earned him the 2017 Hospice of Michigan Volunteer of the Year Award.

Infante's accolades include recognition as a Leading Lawyer in Michigan, a Top Lawyer in Grand Rapids Magazine, and inclusion in Grand Rapids Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Business Leaders. He is also a Michigan Super Lawyer and remains active in numerous professional organizations, including the Federal Bar Association and Michigan Brewers Guild.