About the Firm
Experienced counsel combining industry insight with practical strategies to support and protect growing beverage businesses.
EDUCATION
J.D., Certificate of International Law, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, White Plains, NY
B.A. Music Industry, State University of New York at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY
BAR ADMISSIONS
New York, Connecticut
Christopher Messina
Founder and Managing Attorney
Before launching The Messina Law Firm, Chris was most recently a Partner at the leading alcohol industry law firm the Barnes Beverage Group, servicing numerous clients across the intoxicating beverage industry, from start-ups, tech platforms, and national brands to publicly traded and international companies. Chris also brings substantial in-house experience to his clients, having served as General Counsel for Loverboy, Inc. and The Brooklyn Brewery Corporation, and as Director and Assistant General Counsel of Regulatory Affairs for Constellation Brands. This blend of private practice and in-house perspective — across brands of every size and commodity type — gives Chris a practical, business-minded approach that sets The Messina Law Firm apart.
The Messina Law Firm advises breweries, wineries, distilleries, brand owners, and beverage producers on a wide range of matters, including federal and state licensing; distribution strategy and expansion planning; the negotiation and drafting of distribution agreements, co-packing, alternating proprietorship, custom crush, and production contracts; sponsorship, licensing, and promotional agreements; new product innovation, formulation, and labeling for TTB- and FDA-regulated products; M&A due diligence and strategy; advertising, marketing, and trade practice compliance; and intellectual property clearance, registration, enforcement, and dispute resolution.
Prior to his career in the alcohol industry, Chris spent several years in consumer finance and real estate litigation, both as in-house counsel and as an Associate Attorney at a private law firm.
Outside the office, Chris is an avid endurance athlete and active Ironman competitor, having completed Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City, Ironman Lake Placid, the NYC Marathon, and is currently training for Ironman Lake Placid 2026. He is also a very amateur golfer, family skier (shout out Indy Pass!), and a decent guitar player, and enjoys live music, camping, hiking (an aspiring Adirondack 46er), and spending time with family and friends.
PROFESSIONAL & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Panelist – Custom Crush vs. Alternating Proprietorship: Who’s in Charge Here?, National Conference of State Liquor Administrators Northern/Southern Regional Conference Sept. 2025, Buffalo, NY.
Panelist – IP in Action: The Spaces Where IP Lives, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, March 2025, White Plains, NY.
Planning Committee Member, 32nd Annual Legal Symposium on Alcohol Beverage Law & Regulation, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, August 2024 – March 2025, Washington, DC.
Panelist – Distribution Agreements: From Formation to Termination and Everything In-Between, Craft Brewers Conference ® 2019, Denver, CO.
Christopher Messina
Founder and Managing Attorney
Before launching The Messina Law Firm, Chris was most recently a Partner at the leading alcohol industry law firm the Barnes Beverage Group, servicing numerous clients across the intoxicating beverage industry, from start-ups, tech platforms, and national brands to publicly traded and international companies. Chris also brings substantial in-house experience to his clients, having served as General Counsel for Loverboy, Inc. and The Brooklyn Brewery Corporation, and as Director and Assistant General Counsel of Regulatory Affairs for Constellation Brands. This blend of private practice and in-house perspective — across brands of every size and commodity type — gives Chris a practical, business-minded approach that sets The Messina Law Firm apart.
The Messina Law Firm advises breweries, wineries, distilleries, brand owners, and beverage producers on a wide range of matters, including federal and state licensing; distribution strategy and expansion planning; the negotiation and drafting of distribution agreements, co-packing, alternating proprietorship, custom crush, and production contracts; sponsorship, licensing, and promotional agreements; new product innovation, formulation, and labeling for TTB- and FDA-regulated products; M&A due diligence and strategy; advertising, marketing, and trade practice compliance; and intellectual property clearance, registration, enforcement, and dispute resolution.
Prior to his career in the alcohol industry, Chris spent several years in consumer finance and real estate litigation, both as in-house counsel and as an Associate Attorney at a private law firm.
Outside the office, Chris is an avid endurance athlete and active Ironman competitor, having completed Ironman 70.3 Atlantic City, Ironman Lake Placid, the NYC Marathon, and is currently training for Ironman Lake Placid 2026. He is also a very amateur golfer, family skier (shout out Indy Pass!), and a decent guitar player, and enjoys live music, camping, hiking (an aspiring Adirondack 46er), and spending time with family and friends.
EDUCATION
J.D., Certificate of International Law, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, White Plains, NY
B.A. Music Industry, State University of New York at Oneonta, Oneonta, NY
BAR ADMISSIONS
New York, Connecticut
PROFESSIONAL & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Panelist – Custom Crush vs. Alternating Proprietorship: Who’s in Charge Here?, National Conference of State Liquor Administrators Northern/Southern Regional Conference Sept. 2025, Buffalo, NY.
Panelist – IP in Action: The Spaces Where IP Lives, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, March 2025, White Plains, NY.
Planning Committee Member, 32nd Annual Legal Symposium on Alcohol Beverage Law & Regulation, National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, August 2024 – March 2025, Washington, DC.
Panelist – Distribution Agreements: From Formation to Termination and Everything In-Between, Craft Brewers Conference ® 2019, Denver, CO.
