Food & Drug Law Attorney in Chicago, IL

In-House

Chicago, IL

Food & Drug Law Attorney in Chicago, IL

Attorney

Min 7 yrs required

No

Job Title: Senior Counsel, Food Law & Policy

Job Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and counsel to the business and key cross-functional partners such as Food Safety, Quality & Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Labeling, and Nutrition on comprehensive food law compliance activities.
- Ensure compliance with food laws and regulatory schemes at federal, state, and international levels, including FSMA and Prop 65.
- Offer primary legal oversight on managing special situations like product recalls and market withdrawals.
- Advocate on behalf of the company with relevant regulatory and enforcement authorities at all levels.
- Develop comments on relevant rulemakings and handle product attribute claim development, ingredient and product safety assessments, and competitive challenges.
- Lead and support the company's management of policy-related matters unique to the food industry, including identifying and prioritizing policy issues.
- Collaborate with stakeholders on the company’s position on policy issues and manage these through cross-functional forums.
- Engage in industry forums and trade associations to manage issues while advancing the company's interests.
- Support regulatory-related activities, including CPSC and Customs/Trade Compliance counseling.
- Assist with marketing-related activities, focusing on regulated label claims and product attribute claims.
- Provide support for labeling-related litigation and industry challenges.
- Develop and maintain robust working relationships with internal and external partners, balancing legal risks with business realities.
- Commit to personal development in legal and business skills, industry knowledge, and fostering an inclusive working environment.

Education and Experience Information:
- Licensed attorney with a minimum of seven years of experience in a law firm, government agency, or corporate legal department.
- Significant experience advising on food law/regulatory matters, including FDA and USDA compliance and enforcement.
- Experience in navigating complex legal and regulatory environments, ideally within the food or consumer goods industry.
- Ability to evaluate scientific and technical information for product safety determinations and product claims substantiation.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively, manage complex projects, learn new areas of law, and solve problems.
- Ability to work autonomously while keeping managers and business partners informed.
- Effective and efficient use of external expert counsel within budget.
- High integrity, collaboration skills, emotional intelligence, and professional communication skills.
- Ability to think in business scenarios, evaluate risk on a cost-benefit basis, and propose creative solutions.
- Demonstrated curiosity and ability to learn new areas and adapt to change.
- Committed to personal development and continuous learning, with a bias toward action and initiative.
- Ability to handle confidential information with the utmost attention to confidentiality.
- Self-starter with urgency, organizational skills, and ability to handle pressure and tight deadlines.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship.

Salary Information:
- Pay Range: $151,000 - $233,000 annually.
- Actual salary will be based on location, relevant experience, level, and skillset, while balancing internal equity.
- Complies with applicable law regarding minimum salaries for exempt employees.

Benefits:
- Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive programs, mental wellbeing support, and fitness reimbursement.
- Competitive pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k), and stock purchase plan.
- Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning, and tuition reimbursement.
- Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work schedules, and volunteer opportunities.

Company Information:
- Company is committed to making great food with a focus on impactful, energized, and inclusive culture.
- Offers innovation that positively impacts the team, communities, and health of the planet.
- Equal opportunity employer considering qualified applicants without regard to sex, race, religion, and other protected characteristics.
- Reasonable accommodation available upon request.