Overview
Colby focuses his practice on transactional law and regulatory compliance, bringing experience from both the public and private sectors. He has advised on contracts, compliance, and business operations, with prior roles spanning government service, brand development, and regulatory oversight.
During law school, Colby worked as a summer associate at Michael Best. Prior to law, Colby co-founded Colby Red Wine, a philanthropic brand that raised over $2 million for heart health research, and later managed customer experience, as well as assisted in production operations, at Alley 6 Craft Distillery. He also worked in document control for a medical technology company and as a legislative assistant in Congress, giving him a broad perspective on the legal and regulatory needs of businesses and entrepreneurs.
Experience
Solutions in action
Credentials
- Washington University School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), Staff Editor, Washington University Journal of Law and Policy, 2025
- Loyola Marymount University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), History and Political Science, 2020
- Wisconsin
Engagement
- Co-Founder, Colby Red Wine and Wine with Heart
Insights
Wisconsin Court of Appeals Affirms Denial of Liquor License Transfer for Expansion of Existing Premises
A recent decision from the Wisconsin Court of Appeals underscores an important compliance risk for hospitality businesses and other liquor license holders across the state: amending your license is not a mere formality, even when you have a long and unblemished operating history. In State ex rel. Conch Co. Inc. v. Village of Egg Harbor, No. 2024AP641 (Wis. Ct. App. June 9, 2026), the court upheld a village board’s denial of a liquor license transfer request that sought to expand the footprint of an existing licensed premises. The decision confirms that local licensing authorities retain meaningful discretion when evaluating such applications, including where the applicant has operated without incident for decades.Read
Jun 16, 2026
Michael Best Represents Fiddleheads Coffee in Successful Sale
Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters, Wisconsin’s family-owned roastery and café brand founded in 1996, has joined FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective through an acquisition closed on December 31.Read
Jan 26, 2026
Federal Cannabis Rescheduling Update
On Thursday, December 18, President Trump issued an executive order directing the U.S. Attorney General to reclassify marijuana and associated hemp‑derived products from Schedule I to Schedule III “in the most expeditious manner in accordance” with the Controlled Substances Act and other federal law.Read
Dec 26, 2025