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People to Know: David Barrett Jr.

Source: Columbus Business First

Managing partner, Barrett Easterday Cunningham & Eselgroth LLP

Practice area: Agribusiness

How did you get into this profession? I grew up on a farm and majored in agricultural economics at Ohio State University. Several of my college mentors encouraged me to become a lawyer and use my agricultural background to serve farmers and agribusinesses. It was great career advice and I have been using my agricultural and legal background to serve clients for over 30 years.

What's the most exciting thing happening in your area of law? Complying with increasingly complex food safety regulations is an area getting a great deal of attention both domestically and internationally. Water quality and nutrient management issues also are in the news and an area that will continue to receive attention. The new 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program put together by the agricultural community encourages agricultural retailers, service providers and other certified professionals to adopt proven best practices through the 4Rs, which refers to using the right source of nutrients at the right rate and right time in the right place.

What's the greatest challenge your area of law is facing? The greatest challenge is to help clients comply with government regulations in a cost-effective manner. We also are working with clients to come up with industry-based solutions that are win-win for both industry and the consumer.

What pending case will most impact your area of law and why? Many cases impact agriculture, but the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the potential to impose huge costs on all participants in the food system. Food safety is a goal that everyone agrees on, but new requirements do not always actually enhance food safety.

What advice can you give to someone who wants to build a career similar to yours? Having an agricultural background helps in understanding an agricultural client's issues and in coming up with practical solutions. And, all lawyers need to remember that we are attorneys and counselors at law. Many of our clients are closely-held family businesses. Counseling clients often means helping them reach a result that is not only legal, but also the right thing to do. Finally, perseverance is a quality that helps ensure your initial and continued success.

Click here to read the original article by Columbus Business First.

 

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