Services
Industries
Education
J.D., Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, 2011
B.A., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2006
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
- Wisconsin
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court
- Western District of Michigan
- Northern District of Illinois
Chris Gartman is a principal in Miller Canfield's Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. He is experienced assisting clients with business and succession planning, real estate conveyances, contracting, creative financing, leasing, government regulation and other services. Chris' practical experience and awareness allow him to help clients constantly stay ahead of potential issues and address unforeseen ones.
Chris has particular experience in the craft brewing industry and was previously assistant head brewer and quality manager at The Five Points Brewing Company in Hackney, London, where he also maintained his legal practice serving clients in the alcoholic beverage, retail and entertainment, and real estate and construction industries. He is an active member of Miller Canfield's alcoholic beverage regulation team and can be found on Twitter at @BevCounsel.
Representative Matters
• Advised alcoholic beverage clients in food safety, distribution, advertising, asset purchasing, employment, stock sales and import and export among U.S., EU, Canadian, Japanese and Russian markets.
• Advised and administered IP protection strategies for craft breweries & fashion and graphic designers, including U.S. and International Trademark and Copyright Applications.
• Advised clients in construction, retail, motorsports and entertainment industries on business and succession planning, real estate conveyances, contracting, creative financing, leasing and government regulation.
Honors
Grand Rapids Magazine,Top Lawyers, Food and Beverage Law, 2022
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2021-present
Professional Activities
WMU/KVCC Sustainable Brewing Advisory Board
Michigan Brewers Guild
Illinois Craft Brewers Guild
Wisconsin Brewers Guild
London Brewers Alliance
Brewers Association
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation, GR8 Sports Fundraising Campaign Committee, 2018-present
Grand Valley State University–Van Andel Global Trade Center, "World Trade Week" Conference Planning Committee, 2019-present
Speeches
"7 Most Common Mistakes - International Sale of Goods" (Moderator), Michigan World Trade Week, Grand Rapids, May 3, 2023
"Product Recall How-To," Wisconsin Brewers Guild Technical Conference and Trade Show, Green Bay, March 27, 2020
Publications
"Continuing Tariffs: The Impact on West Michigan Businesses," Grand Valley State University, April 11, 2019