Food/Drinks Lawyer Interviews

Los Angeles, CA: Several food supplements lawsuits claiming deceptive marketing and labelling have been filed against Jessica Alba’s Honest Company, arguing its products are "falsely" labeled as natural and plant-based. But what does “natural” mean? “From a liability standpoint, I don’t see the merit in these false advertising suits when there is no agreed upon definition of natural in the first place,” says attorney Ann Marie Mortimer, partner at Hunton & Williams law firm.

Independence, MO Chicago attorney Ken McClain says he doesn't mind at all if you refer to him as the Popcorn Lung Lawyer. "I don't mind if people say that," says McClain whose has been litigating against makers and suppliers of a butter flavoring product called diacetyl since 2002. "It's been very rewarding. We've done a lot of good and managed to get the diacetyl out of microwave popcorn."

Seattle, WA Attorney Bill Marler is on the phone—he's arranging for two families with children affected by the salmonella tainted peanut butter outbreak to appear before a Congressional hearing later this year in Washington D.C. "Call me back in 5 minutes, I'm on another line," says Marler. An attorney with 15 years experience fighting for people injured by food borne illnesses, it's no surprise he's busy with people seeking his help with what may be the most serious salmonella outbreak in US history.

Victoria, BC On August 25, 2008 Merchant Law Group LLP filed the first class action lawsuits in Canada on behalf of listeriosis victims and recalled meat purchasers. "Since the action was filed we have had about 3,400 expressions of interest from people concerned," says attorney Darren Williams, "from Victoria, British Columbia to St. John's Newfoundland and a few US states—including Washington and Montana."

Minneapolis, MN Fred Pritzker and the lawyers at his Minneapolis firm always have a lot on their plate, so to speak.