Experience

Food Regulatory Work

• Represented global retailer in a variety of product labeling and advertising matters – including labeling claims related to nutrition, safety, country of origin, and environment – to ensure compliance with Food and Drug Administration, Customs and Border Patrol, and Federal Trade Commission regulations.
• Renegotiated vendor contracts on behalf of a national cheese and dairy product processing company.
• Counseled food processing clients on the requirements set forth under the Food Safety Modernization Act.
• Advised both dietary supplement and conventional food manufacturers on the requirements and limitations associated with making various health claims, nutrient content claims, and structure/function claims.
• Assisted a variety of food processors in responding to recalls or market withdrawals, regulatory agency warning letters or enforcement action, consumer complaints, or threats of litigation.

Alcohol Beverage Licensing and Regulatory Work

• Represented a global food and beverage retailer in obtaining liquor licenses nationwide.
• Counseled multinational retailer on various consumer marketing programs related to alcohol.
• Represented major hotel chain in seeking state liquor licenses in multiple states. 
• Advocated on behalf of an age restricted living community before the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board in connection with seeking a liquor license.
• Regularly performed 50-state survey research to determine the permissibility of various alcohol advertising promotions, production and distribution of private label alcohol, and the direct shipment of wine on behalf of retail and non-retail liquor licensed companies.
• Assisted a global e-commerce retailer in obtaining a liquor license for its mobile application-based grocery delivery service and its brick and mortar cashless and checkout-free shopping experience.
• Represented a convenience store management company in obtaining state lottery, tobacco, liquor, and over-the-counter medicine sales licenses.
• Handled multiple producer licensing and regulatory compliance matters for large brewing company and its subsidiaries.

Honors & Activities

• Secretary, Green Plate Special, Apr. 2015-present
• Business Development Chair, Washington Women Lawyers, King County Chapter, Jan. 2015-Jan. 2016
• Member, Food, Cosmetics and Nutraceuticals Committee, American Bar Association
• Member, Operations and Technical Affairs Committee, Northwest Food Processors Association, 2012-present
• Member, Planning Committee, Nutrition Law Symposium, 2014
• Agribusiness Seminar, Harvard Business School Executive Education, Jan. 2014
• Women in Agribusiness Summit, Oct. 2013 

Insights & Presentations

• Presenter, “A Primer on the Food Safety Modernization Act for Wineries,” Business of Wine Seminar, Portland, OR, June 6, 2018
• Presenter, “FDA’s Final Rules Regarding Nutrition Labeling and Serving Sizes,” Operations and Technical Affairs Committee Meeting, Northwest Food Processors Association, Portland, OR, Sept. 20, 2016
• Presenter, “Trademark Basics: Protecting Your Brand,” Be The Entrepreneur, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, June 15, 2016
• Presenter, “U.S. Consumer Protection Law: Focus on Food Labeling Litigation,” 2015 Global Legal Forum, Korea Legislation Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 13, 2015
• Presenter, “Overcoming the Wage Gap: Panel Discussion,” Diversity Week, Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA, Feb. 25, 2015
• Presenter, “The Ethical Implications of Advising Clients on Marijuana-Related Legal Issues in Washington,” Washington Women Lawyers, King County Chapter, Seattle, WA, Dec. 10, 2014
• Presenter, “Beef vs. Beer: Breweries & the Food Safety Modernization Act,” Young Lawyers Division Fall Conference, American Bar Association, Portland, OR, Oct. 10, 2014
• Presenter, “A Primer on Antitrust Law for Trade Associations,” Operations and Technical Affairs Committee Meeting, Northwest Food Processors Association, Portland, OR, April 15, 2014
• Presenter, “FDA Will Likely Move to Ban Trans Fats, but the Industry is Ready for It,” LXBN TV, Nov. 27, 2013
• Presenter, “GMO Labeling Legislation: Status Update on Initiative 522,” Autumn Assembly, Northwest Food Processors Association, Portland, OR, Oct. 1, 2013
• Speaker, “Panel Discussion on GMO Labeling,” GMOs: Agricultural Law & Biotechnology, The Seminar Group, Seattle, WA, July 26, 2013
• Presenter, “Looking Ahead to Washington State’s Legalized Marijuana Marketplace,” LXBN TV, Jan. 24, 2013
• Author, “Battle Over Labeling Genetically Modified Food Continues,” Law360, Dec. 19, 2012
• Author, “Stoel Rives Washington Initiative 502 Licensing Cheat Sheet (PDF)” Nov. 2012
• Presenter, “Food Liability 101: How to Avoid Litigation,” Getting Your Recipe to Market: Entrepreneurial Development Series, Portland, OR, Oct. 16, 2012
• Author, “Spotlight on California’s Food Labeling Lunge,” Law360, Sept. 7, 2012
• Author, “California GE Ballot Initiative Could Be a Game Changer,” Guide to U.S. Food Labeling Law, Aug. 2012
• Author, “A Call For Labeling Genetically Engineered Foods,” Law360, April 12, 2012
• Author, “BPA’s Expiration Date May Be On Its Way,” Law360, March 23, 2012
• Author, “Student’s Corner: Increased Surveillance for a Safer Food System,” Update (Food and Drug Law Institute), May/June 2011

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