Build your Food & Ag Law Expertise

Consider joining us in the LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Our students attend either full- or part-time, on-campus or by distance. Many are experienced professionals. We provide an excellent value and an exceptional opportunity. Vist our website at law.uark.edu/llm or email us at LLM@uark.edu.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Congressional Research Service: Legislative Attorney

Summary
The position’s primary focus is the broad area of administrative law. However, given ALD’s relatively small staff and the breadth of issues ALD covers for Congress, candidates must also be capable of working in a number of different areas of the law and have the intellectual curiosity to seek out and maintain a broad portfolio of legal issues. Applicants should also have knowledge of constitutional law and statutory interpretation.
The Legislative Attorney prepares objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive and background memoranda and reports on legal issues of national significance; provides personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on legal issues throughout the legislative process; and participates in or leads team research projects and seminars. The Legislative Attorney is expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide legal analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels.

CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on legal and public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.


Responsibilities
Provides congressional staff with consultations and oral briefings that clarify legal questions, identify and discuss legal options, and inform congressional staff of CRS informational and analytical capabilities within the scope of the attorney's subject areas.

Prepares authoritative descriptive and background reports, memoranda, bill digests, surveys of laws, comparisons of laws and bills, and other types of written responses for congressional committees, Members, and staff that are characterized by substantial breadth and depth and that cover all pertinent factors and relationships.

Advises and assists other legislative attorneys and analysts and specialists through provision of legal analysis and information in support of their service to Congress.

Prepares and delivers oral presentations at CRS seminars and other outreach programs.
In response to congressional inquiries, locates, organizes, summarizes, and interprets legal information and other pre-existing legal materials, on difficult or misunderstood policy issues through research, including search of the reference collections and databases of CRS, the Library, other institutions or through contacts and networking with Executive Branch officials or other professionals in the field.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), American Law Division (ALD), seeks a Legislative Attorney to analyze legal questions that emerge from the work of Congress related to administrative law in particular and American public law generally. This is a non-litigating position emphasizing qualifications and interest in legal research and writing in a public service legislative context. Candidates with research experience in and broad general knowledge of legal issues regarding administrative law in particular and American public law in general; who demonstrate strong research, writing, and oral communication skills; and who possess a portfolio of high quality legal analytical writing are encouraged to apply. Experience as a judicial clerk would be beneficial.
Prepares probing and innovative written legal analyses, arguments, briefs, or other analytical documents that relate complex variables within the attorney's specialized field of law to the development, interpretation, or implementation of important public policies.
For more information: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/489905500 

Sunday, February 25, 2018

Good Food Institute: Staff Attorney - Feb 28 DEADLINE for application

Staff Attorney

Use Your Legal Training to Transforming the Meat Industry Globally


The Good Food Institute (GFI) is on the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of billions of animals annually. GFI’s Staff Attorney will usher in a future free of factory farms by developing clear regulatory pathways for clean meat in the United States and abroad, building partnerships with other NGOs, and ensuring that clean meat and plant-based alternatives to factory-farmed products do not face undue regulatory burdens.

How You Will Make a Difference
GFI’s Staff Attorney will minimize legal and regulatory barriers to the success of plant-based and clean meat, eggs, and dairy by:
  • Working with the Policy Director to ensure a clear and viable regulatory path for clean meat in the United States and globally.
  • Advising the Director of International Engagement on policy reforms needed to ensure clean and plant-based meat can compete against meat from conventional animal agriculture.
  • Recruiting and managing pro bono attorneys and legal interns as necessary.
  • Conducting legal research and writing journal articles, white papers, and policy briefs.
  • Speaking clearly and persuasively on clean and plant-based meat to legal and nonlegal audiences, building alliances and cultivating support for shared goals with other nonprofit organizations, including those focused on environmentalism, global hunger, consumer protection, and food safety issues.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking smart, thoughtful, and creative self-starters who want to push back against climate change, transform industrial animal agriculture, and develop healthy and humane foods that are accessible to everyone. GFI staff enjoy high levels of autonomy and must be self-motivated, work well both independently and in concert with a larger group, and be comfortable working with a rapidly evolving and growing team.

The Staff Attorney must also have:
  • Experience communicating with federal or state policymakers.
  • Experience building coalitions and working in a team environment.
  • An international outlook, as demonstrated by, e.g., the ability to speak a second language or experience living outside of the United States.
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to work independently under pressure and use sound judgment in decision making, including setting and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines.
  • Exceptional attention to detail. 
  • Support for GFI’s philosophy and ability to professionally advocate GFI’s positions.
We are considering candidates who possess a law degree from a top law school in the United States or another country, a minimum three years of professional experience, preferably at a federal agency or NGO working on policy or regulatory matters, and experience or relevant coursework in administrative law. Bar admission and residence in the Washington D.C. metro area are strongly preferred but not required.

Enjoy working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible holiday and vacation plans, room for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues at The Good Food Institute!

(Please Note: We are only able to consider applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, or who already possess a United States Worker Visa. All applicants must live in the United States.)

Application Deadline: February 28, 2018

Good Food Institute: Associate General Counsel - International

Use Your Legal Expertise to Transform the Global Food System

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is on the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of billions of animals annually. GFI’s Associate General Counsel -- International will provide legal, fiscal, and regulatory guidance and training for GFI’s international operations.  

How You Will Make a Difference
You will identify, resolve, and manage legal compliance issues for GFI’s international operations; assist the General Counsel and Director of Finance to ensure compliance with tax and financial requirements arising from such operations, and support GFI’s other departments in international legal matters by:
  • Providing legal support for the formation of GFI offices, partnerships, or affiliate organizations around the world.
  • Working with GFI offices or affiliate organizations globally to develop compliance programs that ensure GFI international operations comply with applicable legal requirements, including registration, reporting, governance, tax, and lobbying laws.  
  • Handling legal issues that may arise during the day-to-day operations of the International Engagement department and GFI’s international offices or affiliate organizations.
  • Developing and maintaining close working relationships with pro bono counsel and local attorneys, and maintaining a directory of international attorneys who can assist in GFI’s work.
  • Managing GFI’s FCPA compliance, including policy updates and periodic training for GFI staff, independent contractors, and affiliated organizations.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking smart, thoughtful, and creative self-starters who want to push back against climate change, transform industrial animal agriculture, and develop healthy and humane foods that are accessible to everyone. GFI staff enjoy high levels of autonomy and must be self-motivated, work well both independently and in concert with a larger group, and be comfortable working with a rapidly evolving and growing team.

The Associate General Counsel -- International must also have:
  • Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to independently identify legal compliance issues and develop proposed solutions.
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to respond well to quickly evolving and unique situations, work well in a team, and represent GFI professionally.
  • Cross-cultural sensitivity and international experience.
  • Fluency in foreign language(s) preferred.
We’re considering candidates who possess a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and a minimum of five years of previous experience practicing law. Previous experience in a general counsel, associate general counsel, or regulatory/compliance role strongly preferred.
Enjoy working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible holiday and vacation plans, room for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues at The Good Food Institute! 

(Please Note: We are only able to consider applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, or who already possess a United States Worker Visa. All applicants must live in the United States.)

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Analyst in Social Policy (Food Assistance) CRS

Duties

Summary

The Congressional Research Service (CRS), Domestic Social Policy Division is seeking an Analyst in Social Policy (Food Assistance) to work on issues related to federal food assistance and child nutrition programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), that serve low-income households. Ideal candidates will have an academic background in public policy, economics, other social sciences, public health, and/or nutrition and will have knowledge of policy in at least one of the federal food assistance programs. Understanding relationships between food assistance programs and other programs and policies serving low-income households, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and federal child care programs would be an asset. 

ABOUT THE GRADUATE RECRUIT PROGRAM:

Initial appointments under the Graduate Recruit Program will be made for a period of up to 120 days beginning early 2018. Some initial appointments may be eligible for subsequent conversion to permanent appointments, contingent upon participants' performance and completion of all degree requirements, and availability of funding.

Responsibilities

CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.

This position will be filled at the GS-09 or the GS-11 level (see "Duties" below).

The Analyst in Social Policy will provide objective, expert public policy analysis and consultation on policies and issues related to federal food assistance and child nutrition programs for Members and committees of the U.S. Congress. The analyst will locate/interpret factual information; conduct research; prepare objective, non-partisan descriptive, background, and analytical reports; and participate in team research projects and seminars.

This position requires the ability to utilize analytical methods and techniques to analyze policy issues for the U.S. Congress. The candidate should be comfortable with quantitative approaches in research and be familiar with public policy issues related to federal food assistance and child nutrition programs. Strong writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to- understand language for a non-technical audience, are required.

Monday, February 5, 2018

FarmHer, Inc. - Business Development

 Time Sensitive!


Business Development Representative
Part-Time Position
FarmHer, Inc.

FarmHer’s Business Development Representative will act as the liaison between existing and/or potential partners and the FarmHer organization.  The individual selected for the position will be tasked with seeking new business opportunities as well as follow through on existing relationships to create continuous momentum for the FarmHer brand and contribute to the long-term growth of the business.

A successful candidate in this position will exude strong communication and relationship building skills to cultivate partnerships with external organizations from first contact through closing of an anticipated transaction, after-sales service and long term relationship building. Candidates should be motivated, results-driven, and enjoy working in a team environment.

This part-time position has the potential for full-time employment based on growth and success of the candidate selected.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
      proactively seeking new business opportunities in the market and creating new ways to partner with other organizations by scheduling meetings and/or calls between potential clients and FarmHer
      creating growth opportunities for FarmHer while positively portraying the company’s mission of shining a light on women in agriculture
      qualifying partnership leads from external company objectives and suggesting appropriate partnership opportunities with FarmHer to help them achieve their goals
      having the ability to appropriately customize partnership agreements to guarantee customer satisfaction and executing contracts through the close of transactions
      continually building long-term relationships with potential and existing partners

Other responsibilities may include
      creating PowerPoint presentations, sales displays and any other necessary tools for partnership meetings
      communicating with clients about new company developments and offerings
      developing quotes, proposals and contracts
      negotiating and renegotiating contracts by phone, email, and in person meetings
      establishing yearly partnership sales goals and ensuring these are met

Qualified candidate must have
      a strong connection to, a working knowledge of, and an in-depth perspective of the current events affecting the agricultural industry
      a desire to help FarmHer meet its mission of shining a light on women in agriculture
      strong oral and written communication skills as well as IT skills
      creative talents and the ability to solve tough problems without the need to consult others
      ability to handle situations under pressure, prioritize obligations and meet short deadlines as needed
      excellent time management, organization and attention to detail
      BS degree preferred in marketing, business, agriculture or relevant field

This position will directly report to the Founder + President of FarmHer, Marji Guyler-Alaniz.

Please submit resume, cover letter, references and salary requirements to info@farmher.com by Monday, February 12, 2018.


Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

Provide service-oriented legal counsel regarding a variety of legal matters with an emphasis on transactional matters. Create and provide proactive recommendations and advice relative to possible legal risks and risk mitigation strategies to allow business leaders to make informed decisions.
 
Duties and Responsibilities:
    Provide counsel, advice, and legal services to the company on matters involving, without limitation, commercial transactions, financing transactions, leasing transactions, contracts, contract disputes, real estate, secured transactions, member matters, bankruptcy, construction, labor and employment, manufacturing, and other business-related matters;
    Draft contracts, agreements, letters, legal memoranda, and other documents;
    Provide a wide range of legal services in connection with commercial contracts and other transactions, entity formations, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and joint venture arrangements or other strategic partnerships;
    Review and interpret case law, statutes, regulations, and pending legislation. Based on findings, recommend courses of action and business process changes to ensure compliance and minimize risks;
    Collaborate with internal clients;
    Display initiative, creativity, problem solving, and sound decision-making in fast paced work environment; and
    Perform other duties as directed.
Requirements
    Juris Doctorate
    3 or more years of professional legal experience in a corporate or law firm environment
    Experience in corporate and transactional law.
    Knowledge of corporate law and transactional law, and related drafting skills
    Skilled in critical thinking and analysis
    Able to interpret and apply the law
    Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
    Able to gather and assemble complex facts or evidence, analyze thoroughly, negotiate as necessary, and implement the proper legal and business solution
    Able to view problems, opportunities, and solutions from a company-wide perspective
    Able to make independent decisions
    Able to accept responsibility for actions and decisions
    Able to apply individual reasoning to solve problems with few readily available solutions

Saturday, February 3, 2018

Office of General Counsel: US Trade

The Office of the General Counsel at the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is seeking a talented and highly motivated attorney to join our team of legal professionals. Attorney-Advisers at USTDA are involved in every aspect of the agency's program and operations, resulting in a legal practice that is challenging, diverse, and that has significant impact at home and abroad. The ideal candidate will have exceptional analytical skills, an ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, will be skilled at developing and maintaining excellent client relationships, and want to work in a fast-paced environment.

USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions, while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.

USTDA is ranked among the top three federal agencies in its category and government-wide, based on key indices measured by the 2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These key indices measure employee engagement and employee perceptions of the inclusivity of their agencies. For more information on the survey, please see www.fedview.opm.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Serving as an Assistant General Counsel, the Attorney-Adviser is responsible for providing guidance in support of USTDA's implementation of its statutory mandate to promote U.S. private sector participation in economic development projects throughout the world. As such, the incumbent provides advice on the legal aspects of the agency's program and administration. Among other duties, the incumbent may perform the following:
  • Advise program staff on project structure, on issues arising during project implementation and on project close-out, as necessary;
  • Participate in grant preparation, review, and negotiation;
  • Review contracts between partner countries and U.S. companies for the performance of USTDA-funded projects;
  • Analyze and resolve issues arising under the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and other laws relevant to U.S. trade and foreign assistance programs;
  • Negotiate inter-agency agreements with representatives of other U.S. government agencies;
  • Interpret federal administrative statutes and regulations, and provide counsel on matters such as Ethics, Privacy Act, Equal Employment Opportunity, FAR Contracts, and FOIA;
  • Prepare agency administrative reports, policies, and guidelines; and
  • Participate in agency and inter-agency working groups, and represent the agency in dealings with a variety of USTDA stakeholders.

Travel Required

Not required
Supervisory status
No
Promotion Potential
14

Friday, February 2, 2018

Good Food Institute - Legal Intern

Summer 2018 Legal Intern: Policy Department

Project Summary

Primary GFI Mentor: Jessica Almy

Duration: 35-40 hours per week for 10 weeks

Start date: May or June 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this internship will be to support  the work of GFI’s Policy Department to promote a healthy, humane, and sustainable food supply through regulatory and legislative reform. Specifically, the legal intern will support GFI’s policy initiatives to level the playing field for plant-based meat and ensure a clear and efficient regulatory pathway for clean meat.

Activities: The main activities of this internship are: 1) legal research to support GFI’s regulatory strategy in the United States and abroad; and 2) creation of materials to support legislative advocacy.

Deliverables: By the end of the summer, the intern will have produced a variety of written products, including legal memoranda addressing legal issues pertaining to food labeling and regulation in the United States and abroad.

Learning Objectives: The primary learning objective is for the intern to develop expertise in how food is regulated in the United States. You may also learn about the U.S. legislative process and administrative law in other countries.

What We’re Looking For: We are looking for a smart, highly motivated law student to help us make a difference. We’re flexible about geographic location—you’ll work from home. As with all our positions, women, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
Compensation: This position is unpaid.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Corporate Counsel, New Orleans, Louisiana

Newly created opportunity with agricultural-related company based in south Louisiana.  

Ideal candidate will have experience in handling contracts for the purchase and sale of grain commodities; work with Divisional General Managers to address all legal issues that may arise in the ordinary course of business; oversee any arbitrations and litigation that may arise; assist in due diligence relative to acquisitions. 

This is a wonderful opportunity for attorney with some related agriculture/farm law experience who would like to work with a reputable, growing company. 

Please forward a resume to Darnell Shuart, Shuart & Associates Legal Search along with a salary history and availability to talk by telephone.  Darnell@shuart.com  www.shuart.com