Alston & Bird LLP has expanded its Washington, D.C., office by appointing a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) associate chief counsel to its health care, food, drugs, and devices team. The new hire will focus on matters related to the FDA, leveraging her extensive experience from her previous role at the agency. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/1459774/alston-bird-nabs-former-fda-associate-chief-counsel?utm_source=openai))
Prior to joining Alston & Bird, she served as associate chief counsel at the FDA, where she provided legal guidance on a range of regulatory issues. Her responsibilities included advising on compliance and enforcement actions, as well as policy development concerning food and drug law. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/1459774/alston-bird-nabs-former-fda-associate-chief-counsel?utm_source=openai))
Before her tenure at the FDA, she was a partner at DLA Piper, where she counseled clients on regulatory matters, compliance strategies, and interactions with federal agencies. Her practice encompassed advising pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies on navigating complex regulatory landscapes. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/1459774/alston-bird-nabs-former-fda-associate-chief-counsel?utm_source=openai))
Alston & Bird’s strategic addition of this seasoned professional underscores the firm’s commitment to enhancing its capabilities in health care and life sciences law. Her dual experience in both government and private practice positions her to offer clients comprehensive insights into FDA regulatory processes and compliance requirements. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/1459774/alston-bird-nabs-former-fda-associate-chief-counsel?utm_source=openai))
This appointment reflects a broader trend of law firms bolstering their regulatory practices by recruiting attorneys with government experience. Such hires are increasingly valued for their ability to provide nuanced perspectives on regulatory enforcement and policy development, benefiting clients navigating the evolving health care and life sciences sectors. ([law360.com](https://www.law360.com/articles/1459774/alston-bird-nabs-former-fda-associate-chief-counsel?utm_source=openai))