Honors & Awards

Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2007-2011, 2017-2025 (Civil Litigation Defense, Administrative Law)
Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers®, 2024-2025
The Best Lawyers in America®, 2013-2026, Commercial Litigation; Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Trusts and Estates
The Best Lawyers in America®, "Lawyer of the Year", 2018 (Litigation - Trusts and Estates)
The Best Lawyers in America®, "Lawyer of the Year", 2019 (Employment Law - Management)
The Best Lawyers in America®, "Lawyer of the Year", 2021 (Litigation - Trusts and Estates)
A. M. Best Client Recommended, 2018
Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Transylvania University, 2017
AV Rating by Martindale Hubbell
Holder of the Writ, Order of the Writ

Admissions

Kentucky, 1990

U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky, 1990

U.S. District Court Western District of Kentucky, 1990

U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1993

Education

J.D., University of Kentucky College of Law, Lexington, Kentucky, 1990

Notable Achievements: Kentucky Law Journal, Associate Editor, 1989 - 1990

B.A., Transylvania University, Lexington, Kentucky, 1987

Major: History
Honors: Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Overview

Stephen Amato’s practice, while primarily focused on the hospitality and alcohol manufacturing industries, is as diverse as the matters clients bring to him. Whether grappling with a regulatory issue, a personnel problem, or facing litigation, clients find a timely and thoughtful response based upon Stephen’s more than 30 years of experience, a broad range of well-developed legal skills, and commitment to his client’s best interests. In his decades of law practice, Stephen has developed a depth of insight across a wide variety of areas of law and is ready to bring that knowledge to the table to address each specific client’s needs.

Stephen is well-known for his expertise in alcoholic beverage and hospitality law. Thanks to his extensive experience working with alcoholic beverage regulators on behalf of producers, distributors, and retailers, McBrayer operates as a comprehensive resource for those with legal needs in alcoholic manufacturing, alcohol retail and wholesale, as well as individuals investing in spirit ventures. Stephen builds genuine, effective relationships with key members and regulators. Each day, Stephen works to protect the interests of the alcoholic beverage industry in Kentucky through his role with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, where he serves as outside counsel, advising the Association on policy and legislative matters with considerable knowledge of applicable laws.

In addition to his work in the hospitality industry, Stephen has also maintained an active litigation practice. Having tried cases across Kentucky in both state and federal courts, he brings a litigator’s perspective to his transactional and administrative law practice on behalf of his clients.

Capabilities, Successes, and Assignments

Assists clients in the alcoholic beverage and hospitality industry with all aspects of their business:
- Local, state, and federal licensing and permitting
- Real estate and land-use regulation needs
- Business-to-business contracts, including spirit supply, storage, bottling agreements, and all vendor agreements
Oversees the transfer of assets and entities, as well as mergers and acquisitions involving alcoholic beverage businesses and assets, including bulk spirits and brands.
Managed several clients' creation, formation, construction, and implementation of alcohol manufacturing businesses.
Efficiently and effectively managed several relicensing efforts for large-scale (60+) retailer acquisitions.
Helped to craft multiple legislative initiatives that have reshaped the Kentucky Bourbon Industry.
Serves as outside counsel for the Kentucky Distillers' Association, guiding the Association on policy and legislative matters.

Primary Practice

Additional Practice Experience

Affiliations

Community/Civic Leadership

Fayette County Bar Foundation, Former President and Board Member
The Club at Spindletop Hall, Member, Board of Directors
The Lexington Club, Member, Board of Governors
Bluegrass Trust for Historic Preservation, Lexington, Kentucky, Former Board President
Lexington History Museum, Lexington, Kentucky, Former Chair, Board of Trustees

Professional Activities

National Association of Alcoholic Beverage Licensing Attorneys, Member

Alliance of Alcohol Industry Attorneys and Consultants (AAIAC), Member

National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP), Member

Fayette County Bar Association, Member

Kentucky Bar Association, Member

Kentucky Bar Foundation, Member, Board of Directors

Kentucky Guild of Brewers, Affiliate Member

Mediation Center of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, Former Board Chair

Inaugural Class, Order of the Writ - a fraternal and charitable organization that embraces the spirit of Kentucky Bourbon education, responsibility, environmental stewardship, history, scholarship and an unwavering commitment to the furtherance of America’s only native spirit.