Attorney Andrew F. Upton earned an undergraduate degree from Columbia University; a master’s degree from the University of Chicago; and a law degree from Boston College Law School, where he was an editor on the Environmental Affairs Law Review.
Andrew’s law practice is focused on alcohol regulation, liquor licensing, government relations, and administrative law. He has significant experience working with local, state and federal government agencies, and elected officials. Andrew represents national and local entities in all phases of liquor law with an emphasis on licensing, permitting, zoning and government hearings and investigations.
Prior to entering private practice, Andrew served as Chief of Staff to the Chair of the Joint Committee on Taxation of the Massachusetts Legislature. Andrew has also served as counsel and consultant to more than 50 political campaigns.
He was a mayoral appointee to the Historic Preservation Commission in Somerville, Massachusetts and was Chair of the Somerville Licensing Board for 12 years, where he chaired alcoholic beverage, food, entertainment, and related disciplinary hearings in the City of Somerville.
Andrew has appeared in local hearings across Massachusetts and before the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission on thousands of liquor license applications, hearings and related proceedings in representing some of the nation’s most recognizable restaurant chains, hotels and other clients in the food, beverage and hospitality industry.
Andrew has been a panelist on liquor licensing for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education and the Boston Bar Association, and has been a guest lecturer at Boston College, Northeastern University, and Emerson College. Andrew was an appointee to the Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Alcohol Task Force Working Group on the Licensing Process.
Prior to forming the law firm of Upton, Connell, & Devlin, LLP in 2021, he was a partner at the Boston law firms of Holland & Knight and DiNicola, Seligson & Upton LLP.