Corey Day
Founder and CEO Women in Data
Young Professionals 2022
EDUCATION by Vanessa Labi
Corey Day , a commercial litigator with Stoel Rives with a practice focused on the alcohol beverage industry , believes in saying “ yes .” Be it for personal growth , professional networking or general fulfillment , the 36-year-old is all about welcoming what “ yes ” can bring your way .
Day ’ s up-for-the-challenge approach and expertise in California alcohol law has allowed him to guide bars and restaurants through the many restrictions and economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic . Currently in his third year as an associate attorney at Stoel Rives , he leads commercial litigation matters for clients in a wide range of industries , and in recent years is helping to grow the firm ’ s alcohol sector practice . Of the latter , he says , “ Small businesses are just looking to figure out how they can comply with the law , because that ’ s all they ever want to do ,” he says , “ but sometimes it can be hard to understand and comply with .”
This legal support “ helps businesses either limit liability or increase their potential to make money ,” Day explains . “ All those things lead to the ability to employ more people in the area and grow the reputation of Sacramento .” The success of the region ’ s breweries , distilleries , restaurants and wineries “ frees them up to turn around and give back ” to their communities , he says . As a craft beer fan and a social butterfly , he values gathering places where people can connect in person .
Day ’ s interest in alcohol law was sparked during the last stretch of undergrad work at UC Davis when he and some buddies got into home brewing . “ It ’ s really just a unique area ,” says Day . “ It ’ s one of the most heavily regulated industries out there .” Day continued at UC Davis for law school , working multiple jobs and internships throughout . Following a brief nail-biting period between graduation and the bar exam , he scored his first job at Sacramento law firm Porter Scott .
Day credits the upward movement that followed to his “ unmitigated joy ” and role as “ the most upbeat , positive person in the office .” His civic-minded sensibility helped him grow into leadership roles and exert considerable influence over the cities of Davis , Sacramento and beyond . The community posts Day has occupied include serving as executive committee board member and legal counsel for the Davis Chamber of Commerce , providing vital support to “ Healthy Together Davis ,” and helping to relaunch “ Make Davis Sparkle ,” an annual cleanup event . Day , who lives in Davis with his wife Ashleigh Day and their pets , now serves as vice president of the chamber .
The attorney also advises on food-related programs such as Alchemist Kitchen , the Sacramento program providing under-resourced neighborhoods and entrepreneurs with business training programs , and occasionally lectures at Sacramento State for a pilot course on brewing and distilling . “ The goal is to have it be a permanent class where college students can learn everything there is to know … from the history , how it works , the marketing and the business , and the laws ,” he says .
Day admits he has a lot on his plate , but he simply wants to see the region have cool things , and recognizes that those things can be complex on the back end . Another cool thing he provides is pro bono legal counsel for CapRadio , which he hopes will allow alcohol to be served at their new downtown venue , a potential stimulus for ticket sales and vendor business . “ That ’ s going to give great education and public arts back to the community for generations ,” he says . “ Things like that seem small but are going to hopefully have a big impact later .”
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