Noted Food Safety Lawyer to Speak at School of Law

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – William Marler, a noted food safety lawyer who has secured more than $300 million for victims of food-borne illness, will make a presentation to the law school’s Food Law & Policy class from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, in Room 342 of the School of Law. His presentation is free and open to the public.

Since 1993, Marler and his firm, Marler Clark, have represented individuals who have been seriously injured by food contaminated by E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A and other contaminants. His first food-borne illness case resulted in a landmark $15.6 million settlement for a seriously injured child who was a victim of the Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak.

In addition to his litigation, Marler founded OutBreak, a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to advocating for food safety initiatives and training the food industry in how to prevent outbreaks. Marler routinely challenges the food industry to "put me out of business" through food safety initiatives. In addition to his nonprofit work, he lectures widely on food-borne illness and publishes frequently on the subject. Among his many honors is the 2008 Public Justice Award, given to him by the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.

“We are honored to welcome Bill Marler to the University of Arkansas,” said Susan Schneider, professor of law and director of the master’s program in agricultural and food law. “He is among the nation’s top food-borne illness litigators, and he is a strong voice for the safety of our food system, working with industry, community groups, schools and government.”

Marler is the first of several distinguished speakers this year who will be presenting their perspectives to the Master of Laws program. The University of Arkansas School of Law offers the only advanced law degree in agricultural and food law, a program noted for its coverage of the wide range of legal and policy issues relating to food and agriculture.

In addition to giving his presentation at 8 a.m., Marler will meet with the staff and candidates of the Journal of Food Law & Policy, meet with the director and staff of the National AgLaw Center and have lunch with the Master of Laws candidates.