FDA Food Attorney - Principal and Associate Openings

Company Description

Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC (OFW Law) is the nation’s leading FDA, USDA, and health care law firm based in Washington, DC. Since 1979, we have provided legal and bipartisan government affairs representation to companies and trade associations in the food, drug, medical device, and agricultural sectors. Our team of lawyers and senior policy advisors possess more than 300 years of combined legal, public service, and industry experience. Known for our extensive expertise and established relationships with lawmakers, regulatory agency officials, and stakeholders, we are committed to delivering tailored solutions and outstanding results for our clients. At OFW, we take pride in our ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and advance client interests effectively.

Role Overview

OFW Law is seeking food attorneys to oversee client matters involving legal, regulatory, and policy analysis, focusing on FDA and related requirements involving the marketing, promotion, sale, and safety of food products and food ingredients. Responsibilities will include advising clients on:

• Safety assessments and pathways to market food additives, GRAS substances, color additives, food contact substances, and new dietary ingredients;
• Labeling and promotion of food and dietary supplement products, including mandatory label and labeling requirements;
• FDA requirements, along with state litigation and FTC risk analysis regarding product claims on food labels and in advertising;
• Food Safety Modernization Act requirements and current good manufacturing practices;
• Recalls and market withdrawals;
• Federal regulatory enforcement, including responding to inspectional observations, warning and untitled letters, and import holds, detentions, and alerts;
• Federal and state policy developments, including relevant FDA regulatory proposals and guidance, federal legislation, state legislation, and state litigation; and
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, and policies for clients to implement and improve business processes and for compliance with regulatory requirements.

The attorney would have frequent contact with firm clients and would be expected to be self-directed in accomplishing client goals. Clients value OFW Law’s attentiveness and responsiveness so the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, knowledgeably, and in a timely manner, both orally and in writing to colleagues, clients, and government agencies is imperative.

The ideal candidate would have interest in building their practice and supporting OFW’s existing client base. Experience at FDA or similar work at a major national law firm is required. Associate applicants must have 2 to 5 years of experience, and Principal applicants must have 8 years of experience.

OFW Law’s office is in Washington, D.C. However, we are a fully hybrid workplace, with the option of working entirely remotely.

• Possess and maintain knowledge and skills in areas of expertise, as required;
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and achieve successful results through effective interactions;
• Excellent legal and related research and writing skills, and advanced experience using legal research tools such as Lexis/Thompson Reuters;
• Deep understanding of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended;
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business advice in oral and written communications;
• Maturity, with the ability to manage your own calendar and work;
• Strong analytical skills coupled with practical business sense so that you can review, comprehend, and distill complex legal concepts and translate them into practical client advice;
• Flexible, eager to learn, and able to manage dynamic and rapid policy changes; and
• Focus on client satisfaction and understanding of a client’s business and strategic goals.

• J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, license to practice law in any state and/or the District of Columbia;
• Associate applicants must have 2 to 5 years of experience, and Principal applicants must have 8 years of experience;
• Prior work experience with FDA preferred but not required; and
• Masters of Science or other relevant advanced degree or certification, preferred but not required.
• While a portable book of billable business is always welcome, it is not required for these positions.

OFW Law is focused on attorney development and advancement. OFW Law creates opportunities for its attorneys to work directly with clients. Unlike major national law firms, OFW Law does not have a lock-step advancement infrastructure, but has flexibility to encourage career development while maintaining a work-life balance. Our clients remain the center of our work, and offer the opportunity to represent national healthcare leaders, including major corporations and emerging innovators. At OFW Law we do big law caliber work in the boutique setting.

Salary is commensurate with experience, plus benefits.

• Please send a resume and a cover letter to Joi Jackson: jjackson@ofwlaw.com. Applications will be considered in order received.