Today we’d like to introduce you to Louis J. Terminello.
Hi Louis J., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My career has always revolved around the alcohol beverage and hospitality industry, just from very different vantage points. I began in the 1980s as a Senior State Law Enforcement Investigator with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. In that role, I was on the front lines of licensing, enforcement, and regulatory compliance, which gave me a deep, practical understanding of how the laws actually affect businesses and events.
Over time, I realized that becoming an attorney was a natural next step. I already understood the nuances of alcohol law and had strong working relationships with regulators and industry operators. I knew I could serve the industry in a more lasting and meaningful way with a law degree. I graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 1990, took early retirement from state service, and immersed myself fully in the nightlife and hospitality world.
Since then, I’ve worn many hats: attorney, regulator-turned-advisor, business owner, and educator. I’ve owned restaurants, bars, and nightclubs across Florida, helped create hospitality and alcohol businesses and joined Greenspoon Marder LLP, where I am now a partner and chair of the Hospitality, Alcohol and Leisure Industry Group. Looking back, each phase built on the last, and together they’ve shaped the practice and perspective I have today.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, and I don’t think meaningful careers ever are. The alcohol beverage industry is one of the most highly regulated industries in the country, and navigating constant regulatory changes, enforcement priorities, and political shifts is never easy. Transitioning from regulator to attorney also came with challenges, earning credibility in a new role while redefining professional relationships takes time and discipline.
Owning nightlife and hospitality businesses brought its own set of lessons. When you’re the operator, compliance issues aren’t theoretical; they directly affect your bottom line, your employees, and your reputation. Those experiences weren’t always easy, but they were invaluable. They forced me to understand the industry not just legally, but operationally, financially, and emotionally. Those challenges ultimately made me a better advisor to my clients.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Greenspoon Marder LLP?
I am a partner at Greenspoon Marder LLP and chair of the Hospitality, Alcohol and Leisure Industry Group. Our group provides comprehensive legal and regulatory guidance to resort investors, developers, lenders, owners, and operators across the hospitality and leisure sectors. We handle everything related to the manufacture, import, distribution, marketing, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
What further distinguishes our practice is that we are backed by a full-service law firm with offices in multiple key markets, serving businesses across a wide range of industries, including hospitality. That depth and breadth allow us to collaborate seamlessly across practice areas, whether a client needs support with real estate, finance, corporate transactions, litigation, or regulatory compliance, while still receiving highly specialized industry-focused counsel.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just practice alcohol beverage law, we live it. My background as a regulator and business owner allows me to approach legal issues with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset. Clients appreciate that we understand how compliance decisions affect real-world operations and can deliver comprehensive solutions that align legal requirements with business realities.
What makes you happy?
Above all else, my family is what truly makes me happy. My children and grandchildren are my greatest source of pride and perspective. No matter how demanding the work or how high-profile the event, everything ultimately comes back to family. They keep me grounded, motivated, and grateful, and they remind me why balance and integrity matter.
I’m also incredibly proud of, and thankful for, the team I work with every day. I’ve been fortunate to build and be surrounded by an exceptional group of professionals, many of whom have been with me for many, many years. That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of shared values, mutual respect, and a collective commitment to doing things the right way. Watching my team grow, succeed, and continue to deliver at the highest level is deeply rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gmlaw.com/attorneys/louis-terminello/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenspoonmarder/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenspoon.marder/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greenspoon-marder-llp/
- Twitter: https://x.com/GMLaw_Tweets
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkxl_ghIabKnI6Y3M8ypmvA
