Charlie Caputo

Co-Managing Partner,

Charlie L. Caputo, Esq.

Since co-founding Caputo Law Office in 2004, Charles L. Caputo, Esq., has built a distinguished career advising clients across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines. As a Co-Managing Partner, Mr. Caputo specializes in beverage alcohol law, frequently representing clients in all three tiers of the alcohol distribution system before the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, its Hearing Examiners, and Administrative Law Judges. His expertise extends to real estate and municipal law, government relations, business and corporate law, and general litigation.

Leadership in Beverage Alcohol Law

Mr. Caputo serves as general counsel for the Malt Beverage Distributors Association of Pennsylvania (MBDA), representing beer distributors and industry partners throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In this role, he provides legal guidance on regulatory compliance, legislative advocacy, and complex litigation affecting the beverage alcohol industry. His notable contributions include spearheading the landmark “12-pack” case in 2015, dramatically changing how manufacturers and beer distributors were permitted to sell malt and brewed beverages in Pennsylvania.   

Professional Experience

Throughout his career, Mr. Caputo has held several high-profile roles, including:

     Special Counsel for the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (2011-2018), overseeing statutory appeals and providing legal counsel on municipal matters.

     Law Clerk to the Honorable Michael F. Marmo in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas (2009-2021), gaining valuable insight into various legal disciplines.

Educational Background

     Duquesne University School of Law – J.D., Cum Laude (2000)

     Honors: Dean’s List

     Duquesne University – B.A. in Mathematics (1997)

     Honors: Dean’s List

Commitment to Education and Industry Leadership

Mr. Caputo is a sought-after speaker and educator on beverage alcohol law. He frequently presents for private businesses and at the Allegheny County Bar Association and the Administrative Law Symposium. He regularly instructs licensees, real estate professionals, and financial institutions on responsible alcohol service policies and the proper handling of liquor licenses.

Admissions

  • Pennsylvania
  • Western District of Pennsylvania

“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”