David Helbraun serves as of counsel to Aliant’s Los Angeles office and founder of Helbraun Levey, LLP. Fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, David has followed his passion and interest in the hospitality industry from opening and owning a coffee bar company in Manhattan, to founding the country’s top hospitality-focused law firm. His practice areas include hospitality and cannabis law.

Upon finding a void in the industry and a unique way to marry his two interests and expertise in law and hospitality, David opened up his practice in 2005 in order to help his friends in the hospitality industry. Since then, the firm has grown to 30 team members and has represented over 5,000 restaurants, bars, chefs, and hotels in NYC and around the country. Their client list includes some of New York City’s most beloved and awarded restaurants and chefs such as Lillia, Frenchette, Jose Andres Group, Marlow & Sons, Buvette, Masa, John Fraser, Thai Diner and Roberta’s, just to name a few.

Always pursuing opportunities to grow and explore new ventures, the office has carved out a new area of expertise for New York’s emerging recreational cannabis industry. The office is at the forefront of advising on state rulemaking and they are the go-to team for all types of cannabis legal counsel and licensing.

David likes listening to the Grateful Dead and Bebop while hiking through the many neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Manhattan. David is also a long-suffering but hopelessly optimistic NY Mets fan. David is admitted to practice in New York.