Dykema launches Food and Beverage Group

Dykema announced Wednesday the formation and launch of their Food and Beverage Practice Group, creating a sought-after industry group for clients navigating the myriad issues that arise from operating in the food and beverage industry. The group will be led by David Graham, Senior Counsel and a member of the Products and Professional Liability Practice Group in Dykema's Minneapolis office.

For years, Dykema attorneys from multiple practice areas have been serving clients working in the food and beverage industry. This newly formed group brings all of that experience into one collaborative practice that will focus on eight areas of the law-Litigation, Safety & Regulation, Agriculture & Rural Cooperatives, Intellectual Property, Finance & Lending, Employment & Operations Matters, Real Estate & Environmental and Franchise & Distribution. The firm already represents food manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, farms, cooperatives, restaurant chains, food trade organizations, beverage companies, food equipment manufacturers, animal feed and animal health product companies on the frequent and often substantial legal complexities of the industry.

"The diversity of skills that the members of this practice bring to the table is impressive and will enable us to offer a full-range of legal services to our food and beverage clients," said Peter Kellett, chairman and chief executive officer of Dykema. "This group embodies the forward-thinking and collaborative counsel we provide clients every day, and I'm thrilled to see them in action."

The 26 members of this group span a wide range of practices areas, including regulatory, litigation, legislation, commercial lending, intellectual property, real estate, environmental, franchising and distribution, tax, energy, negotiations, employment, employee benefits and general operational matter experience.

"Because the industry is so heavily regulated, companies need to be aware of changing rules and regulations that impact their businesses and how to react accordingly," said David Graham, leader of the Food and Beverage Practice. "Clients are increasingly bringing concerns to our attention surrounding a variety of issues, including nutrition labeling, inspections and regulatory compliance, marketing and advertising, and more. This group could not have been formed at a better time, and we look forward to providing our clients with excellent counsel as they face these multifaceted issues."

Published: Thu, Feb 05, 2015