John Johnson III Named Co-Chair of Shook’s Food and Beverage Practice Group

John Johnson III, a partner in Shook’s Washington, D.C. office, has been named co-chair of the firm’s Food and Beverage Practice Group, joining Lindsey Heinz and James Muehlberger.

Johnson’s practice involves counseling and representing food companies about the laws administered by the Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Customs and Border Protection, and other federal and state agencies. He blends his interests in history, advertising, science and law in working with clients to meet their regulatory obligations and manage their impact on advertising/promotions, commercial transactions and consumer litigation. 

“Food and beverage companies face issues that rarely fit neatly into one category. Our team helps them anticipate risk, protect and grow their businesses, and provides practical counsel across virtually every area that can affect their operations. That has always been the vision for this practice, and John’s leadership and regulatory background are an important part of it,” said Madeleine McDonough, chair of Shook, Hardy & Bacon and founder of the firm’s Food and Beverage Practice. 

“I’m excited to join Lindsey and Jim in leading the group,” said Johnson. “We have a deep bench of attorneys and professionals who understand the legal, scientific and business issues that affect those that grow, make, distribute and sell the food we eat. I’m looking forward to helping to build on our strengths as we continue providing practical, industry-focused counsel to our clients.”

Shook’s Chambers-ranked Food and Beverage Practice serves clients across the industry from the farm to the fork, and all steps in between. The group advises on compliance and risk prevention, supports transactions involving highly regulated products and defends matters involving product liability, consumer class actions, Proposition 65, environmental contamination and challenges to labeling and marketing statements.

The group’s members are thought leaders and frequently write and speak on legal issues facing the industry, and keep the industry informed through the award-winning Food & Beverage Litigation and Regulatory Update newsletter.