Luis Gonzalez is an attorney in the Litigation Practice and Alcohol Beverage Team in Holland & Knight's Orlando office. From providing representation in employment matters and contract disputes to advising how to obtain a distributor or restaurant liquor license and AB&T regulatory compliance, Mr. Gonzalez offers clients an in-depth understanding of a broad subject matter.
Litigation: Mr. Gonzalez helps clients enforce restrictive covenants, protect trade secrets, conduct internal investigations, and resolve contract disputes and business torts. In addition, he represents employers in litigation involving a broad range of employment-related matters, including claims of discrimination, wage and hour violations, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), whistleblower/retaliation and sexual harassment. He represents clients before federal and state courts and in arbitration. Mr. Gonzalez counsels companies on handling performance evaluations and employee terminations, as well as other related issues such as implementing and enforcing effective policies and procedures to avoid litigation.
Alcohol Beverage: Previously, Mr. Gonzalez was in law enforcement as a uniformed and undercover investigator, SWAT team member and K-9 handler. He also served as a special agent and special agent supervisor with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. This unique background offers clients a valuable perspective on navigating the heavily regulated alcohol beverage industry. Mr. Gonzalez counsels all segments of the alcohol industry - including brand owners, wholesale distributors, restaurants, hotels, bars, non-profits, and clubs - in regulatory compliance, liquor licenses, distribution, retail sales, promotions, marketing and administrative enforcement actions. Additionally, he assists with land use matters and mergers and acquisitions involving liquor licensing.
Mr. Gonzalez dedicates a portion of his time to pro bono matters, including representing families seeking guardianship of elderly parents and disabled adults. He is a member of the Orlando Diversity Committee, whose purpose is to promote, celebrate, support and encourage diversity within the office and business community.
Honors & Awards
Florida Legal Elite "Up & Comer," Florida Trend magazine, 2014
Holland & Knight Public and Charitable Service All-Star, 2014
Rising Star, Florida Super Lawyers magazine, 2012-2014
New Attorney Award of Excellence, Orange County Bar Association, 2013
Gold Pin Recipient for 100 plus hours of pro bono work, Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association, 2011
