Hogan Lovells Food and Beverage Practice Ranked Band 1 by Chambers USA 2020

Seven food group lawyers from Hogan Lovells have been ranked individually, including all of our food group partners. Senior associate Veronica Colas was selected to the “Associates to Watch” category.

For more information and to read the full write up, please click here. 

Chambers Commentary:

What the team is known for: A deep bench of practitioners with experience in a wide array of food and beverage issues. Impressive work in complex cases including class actions and sophisticated FDA disputes. Earns high praise for its proficiency in regulatory and compliance matters and is regularly called upon for legislative and policy advice. An enviable roster of clients includes international and US-based trade associations and market-leading food manufacturing companies. Regularly called on to advise clients on both their internal governance and the effects of new regulations on their businesses.

Strengths: One client reports: “They’re great. They are very easy to work with and they are very smart.”

Another client adds: “The firm is always immediately available and they understand our needs and culture. We have access to the expertise throughout the firm’s different areas of practice.”

“Hogan Lovells has a deep understanding of my industry and business. They are very responsive and able to offer assistance on complex matters in a short amount of time,” affirms another source.

Work highlights: Represented a coalition of bagged salad producers in negotiations with the FDA, following the issuance of an advisory warning US consumers against eating romaine lettuce. The firm assisted in negotiating labeling changes to lettuce packaging and in negotiations with the FDA to issue a new advisory endorsing the return to market of romaine lettuce.

Notable practitioners

The “excellent” Martin Hahn has significant experience of handling matters before the FDA and is described as “a great regulatory guy” with “deep expertise”  by clients. He is regularly called upon to advise on an array of compliance issues, including labeling requirements and food safety matters.

Gary Jay Kushner provides counsel to a broad range of food companies and industry associations. He is particularly adept at advising on regulatory issues relating to distribution, marketing and safety inspections. One client states: “He not only brings world-class knowledge and legal advice, but also displays impressive behavioral and leadership skills. I trust him as a confidant and adviser.”

Joseph Levitt is regarded by market sources as one of the “top lawyers” in the food and beverage space. He provides expert advice on FDA inspections, food safety plans and environmental monitoring programs, among other matters.

Steven Steinborn is a respected authority within the food and beverage sphere. His impressive practice incorporates a broad spectrum of regulatory issues, such as FDA and USDA inspections, new menu labeling and product recalls.
 
Maile Hermida is held in high regard by clients for the depth of her regulatory expertise, particularly in relation to FDA and USDA rules and the Food Safety Modernization Act. She also possesses a deep knowledge of labeling and advertising issues. She is recognized as being “exceptionally strong” and a “tremendous lawyer.”

Elizabeth Fawell‘s client base encompasses multinational corporations and trade associations. She adeptly advises on FDA regulation as well as issues relating to foodborne illness and product labeling. One impressed client reports: “Elizabeth is critical to my being able to do my job. She makes my life easier in a hundred different ways on a weekly, if not daily basis.”

The “exceptionally strong”  Veronica Colas is regularly called upon to advise organizations on labeling requirements, compliance with food safety regulation and advertising issues. One client reports: “Veronica is my go-to for many things. She is very responsive and always helpful.”

The complete listings for Hogan Lovells 2020 Chambers USA rankings are available here.

Authored by Sarah Blanchard.