Overview
What does life as an in-house counsel really look like? What can I expect in the day-to-day? Does your law firm manage projects differently than mine? How do I transition from being a generalist to a specialist? During this panel, speakers will talk about their experiences in the public vs. private sectors, how to practice in a niche topic area, address how they got to where they are now, and answer any questions you have about career trajectories. Join us virtually or in-person for the panel discussion. An in-person reception will follow the panel. This program is limited to FDLI members who are a part of NFDL, summer associates, and student members.
Speakers
Tina Hu-Rodgers, Counsel, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
Schevon Gaylord Salmon, Director, Corporate Counsel, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Brian Sylvester, Special Counsel, Covington & Burling LLP
Alexander J. Varond, Partner and Co-Chair, FDA Litigation Practice, Goodwin Procter LLP
Moderated by Stuart TenHoor, President, Stuart TenHoor Legal Search
TINA HU-RODGERS is counsel at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC where she focuses her practice on issues related to the approval, regulation, promotion, sale and reimbursement of drugs, medical devices, biologics, dietary supplements, foods and cannabis-related products. Tina assists clients in their interactions with various federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In addition to advising clients on how to obtain approvals for their FDA-regulated products, Tina’s experience includes reviewing and revising the labeling of drugs, medical devices, foods and dietary supplements to ensure compliance with the FDA law and regulations. She works with clients to petition the FDA to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drug products on the market, and assists clients in a wide range of promotional review activities. She also advises clients on user fee matters, as well as federal and state Sunshine Act reporting obligations. Tina is also a member of the firm’s cannabis group, where she assists companies in navigating federal and state law issues related to the promotion and sale of cannabis-related products. Tina has helped companies work to bring FDA-approved cannabinoid drug products to market, as well as helped clients to navigate sale of cannabis and hemp-related products. In 2019 and 2020, Tina was named to the Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.
BRIAN P. SYLVESTER is currently Special Counsel at the international law firm of Covington & Burling LLP. At Covington, Mr. Sylvester advises food, dietary supplement, cosmetic, and OTC drug clients on a broad range of regulatory, legislative, and compliance issues before FDA, USDA and analogous food and drug regulatory bodies. His practice additionally encompasses veterinary pharmaceuticals and biological products, animal feed, and pet food. Drawing on his tenure as a regulatory lawyer with USDA, Mr. Sylvester has particular experience counseling clients on strategic considerations around engagement with and advocacy before USDA and FDA on a range of complex issues, including those of first impression. He is a prolific author and frequent speaker at industry-leading events in the US and around the world, and is regularly called upon to offer insights on trending legal issues by publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Food Navigator-USA, among others.
STUART TENHOOR has been an FDLI member for a decade and a legal search consultant for 30 years. His practice includes career coaching and advising food and drug lawyers on lateral moves. He also regularly advises a variety of legal employers on finding the best legal talent for their needs. He is currently a member of the FDLI Finance Committee and has participated in a number of FDLI events focused on strategic career planning for food and drug lawyers. He began his professional career with the U.S. Senate Committee on Labor & Human Resources.
ALEXANDER VAROND is a Partner at Goodwin and Co-Chair of the firm’s FDA Litigation group. He counsels clients in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries on a wide range of pre- and post-market issues, including pre-approval strategy, patents and exclusivity, marketing and promotion, enforcement, and corporate transactions. He assists extensively with matters related to orphan drug development and Hatch-Waxman exclusivity. Prior to becoming an attorney, Varond served as a project engineer, operations manager, and deputy management representative to FDA in the medical device industry. He also worked as a law clerk at the U.S. International Trade Commission’s Office of Unfair Import Investigations and as an intellectual property law clerk at NuVasive, Inc. His technical background includes a double major in Biomedical Engineering and Management Science from the University of California, San Diego.June 29, 2022
4:45–6:30 PM ET
Agenda
4:45-5:00 PM | Check-In
5:00-5:45 PM| Panel Discussion
5:45-6:30 PM | Reception
The panel discussion will be indoors, and the reception will be outdoors. In the event of inclement weather, the reception will be indoors.
This program is limited to FDLI members who are a part of NFDL, summer associates, and student members. This complimentary program includes a light reception. Please register by June 27 to reserve your spot.
New to Food and Drug Law Group
The New to Food and Drug Law Group (NFDL) offers young professionals with up to six years of experience an opportunity to connect, learn from their peers, and enhance their skills. Individuals affiliated with member organizations, those employed by the government, and law students are encouraged to participate.
For questions, please contact Bianca Cardona.
Location
Confirmed Location
Haynes and Boone LLP
800 17th St NW Ste 500
Washington, DC 20006
