Who We Are: Food, All Food and Nothing but Food

Food Industry Counsel is the only law firm in the U.S. that works with the food industry exclusively, helping food companies comply with FDA and USDA food safety regulations, coordinate crisis management and recall efforts, defend and pursue food safety claims, and reduce food safety exposure.

Our Legal and Consulting Services

Anticipating

FIC's food lawyers proactively consult with clients about food safety risk. By understanding what the future could hold, these organizations are able to operate with confidence that they’re doing what they should to protect and strengthen their brands.

Navigating

FIC's food lawyers thoughtfully steer their clients through food safety challenges. By rolling up their sleeves and getting out of the boardroom, their able to understand where things stand and what it will take to work through almost any situation.

Resolving

FIC's food regulatory lawyers have a proven track record of thoroughly and satisfactorily resolving FDA and USDA concerns and regulatory issues. Our clients trust us to understand the bigger picture while attending to all the little details.

Engaging

FIC actively engages in the food industry, leading conversations about emerging scientific, regulatory and legal trends and contributing regularly to Meatingplace, The National Provisioner and Food Quality and Safety Magazine.

Meet the Team

Shawn K. Stevens

Founder, Food Industry Lawyer

Joel S. Chappelle

Food Industry Lawyer

Elizabeth R. Presnell

Food Industry Consultant and Lawyer

Eric T. Rathke

Operations Manager and Environmental Engineer

Jessica L. Stevens

Paralegal and Food Industry Risk Management Specialist

Testimonials

Shawn knows the food industry and the players within it. He is enjoyable to work with. Shawn has a practical, candid, 'call it like it is' style and he always manages to find ways to make himself available, especially at the times he's needed most.

Lanny Viegut

Carnivore Meat Company

Shawn is very good at translating for people who know less about the law, but still have to make decisions. I count on him to tell us the way it is.

Rick Schaffer

Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream

Shawn is great at getting a crisp, clear set of answers—not legalese—that provide direction and make decision-making easier.

Randy Fields

ReposiTrak

Shawn has an innate sense of getting to the point of any issue. He also has an extraordinary ability to include the human element in whatever’s being asked of regulations or the law.

Lon Doty

Vice President of Food Safety

Bolthouse Farms

Shawn has the innate ability to speak to us outside of legalese, so we always understand what’s happening and what’s needed.

Tom Barnes

MBG Marketing

Shawn is very involved within the food industry. He writes articles, conducts webinars and takes time to educate others about relevant issues. He's eager to listen to your needs and help you put a program together.

Yemi Ogunrinola

Vantage Foods

Shawn has the knowledge and ability to recognize gaps that need to be addressed—both from a legal, as well as a practical, standpoint. He knows what's happening and stays on top of key issues within the food industry.

John Burke

Eillien's Candies

Shawn reads situations quickly and communicates clearly from the first phone call. He combines legal expertise, deep food industry knowledge and a common-sense approach that's essential in times of urgency.

Barclay Klingel

Cyrus O'Leary's

Shawn thoroughly understands the food industry and regulatory environment. Whether it’s a quick question or a longer conversation about an important issue, he makes himself available to provide legally sound, common-sense counsel.

Donna Lynn Browne

Naturipe

Because of our relationship with Food Industry Counsel, we're able to operate with a confidence we wouldn't have otherwise—confidence we're doing things in ways that will benefit everyone.

David Hughes

Garden-Fresh Foods

I turn to Food Industry Counsel because food safety goes beyond being a profession for Shawn. For him, it's a passion.

Mike Walz

Miller Baking Company - Pretzilla

Representative Clients

Our clients include many of the world's largest food processors, national restaurant chains, and food distributors and grocers.

(920) 698-2561

info@foodindustrycounsel.com