William Marler

William "Bill" Marler (born c. 1957) is an American personal injury lawyer and food safety advocate.[1][2] He is the managing partner of Marler Clark, a Seattle, Washington, based law firm that specializes in foodborne illness cases.

William D. Marler
William Marler in 2009
EducationWashington State University, Bachelor of Arts, 1982
Seattle University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1987
OccupationAttorney
EmployerMarler Clark LLP
Websitewww.marlerclark.com

Background
See also: 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak

In 1993, Marler represented 9-year-old Brianne Kiner in litigation against Jack in the Box following an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, securing a $15.6 million settlement.[3] He subsequently directed his practice toward foodborne illness, representing many more people affected by diseases such as E. coli, hepatitis A, and Salmonellosis. He has been involved in litigation relating to most of the large foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States, representing individuals against large companies such as Chili's, Kentucky Fried Chicken,[4] Dole, and ConAgra.[5]

Marler is also involved with OutBreak, a nonprofit organization under the auspices of Marler Clark. In this capacity he travels extensively, discussing foodborne illness litigation and related issues with public health groups, fair associations, and food industry groups.[6] In addition, Marler has written articles about the same topics and maintains a frequently updated blog read by many in the legal and food safety communities.

As a proponent of improved food regulation, Marler has been asked to speak to numerous groups to address the subject, including testimony to both the California State Senate Governmental Organization Committee[7] and the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce.[8]

Marler’s involvement in the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak is detailed in author Jeff Benedict’s book “Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat”.

Marler contributes to Food Safety News and the Food Poison Journal. In January 2016, The Daily Meal named him one of "America's 50 Most Powerful People in Food for 2016".[9] His professional blog was listed by the American Bar Association as one of the top 100 legal blogs.[10]

In The New Yorker piece "A Bug in the System", Jan. 2015, journalist Wil S. Hylton referred to Marler as “the most prominent and powerful food-safety attorney in the country.”[11]

Most recently Bill Marler was the subject of a story by The Washington Post. The January 19, 2020 article, "He helped make burgers safer. Now he’s fighting food poisoning again," details Marler's fight for USDA regulations that would ban meat contaminated with certain Salmonella strains from being sold.

Awards and distinctions
  • Best Lawyers in America (2009-Present)
  • Bar Register of Preeminent Attorneys (2002–Present)
  • Seattle University Distinguished Law Graduate Award (2013)[12]
  • Seattle University Professional Achievement Award (2011)[13]
  • ABA Journal "Blawg 100" Best Legal Blogs (2011)
  • NSF Food Safety Leadership Award: Innovation in Education (2010)[14]
  • Public Justice Award, Washington State Trial Lawyer's Association (2008)[15]
  • Outstanding Lawyer Award, Seattle/King County Bar Association (2008)[16]
  • "Super Lawyer", Washington State Attorneys (1998–Present) [17]
  • Governor Appointee, Washington State University Board of Regents (1998-2004)[18]
  • Distinguished Achievement Award, WSU College of Liberal Arts (1997)[19]

Bibliography
External video
"Conversations at KCTS9: Bill Marler". KCTS-TV interview dated February 2, 2012, in which Bill Marler talks about the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak and his advocacy for food-safety laws.

Selected publications
  • "Litigating the Food Poisoning Case: The Importance of Prior Inspections and Investigations" (PDF). Trial. American Association for Justice. November 2004. (Co-authored with David W. Babcock).
  • "How to Keep Your Focus on Food Safety" (PDF). Food Safety Magazine. Target Group Inc. June–July 2005. ISSN 1084-5984.
  • "Separating the Chaff from the Wheat: How to Determine the Strength of a Foodborne Illness Claim" (PDF), Food Liability – Law, Science, and Risk Management, Defense Research Institute, May 20, 2005
  • "Food Claims and Litigation" (PDF). Food Safety In-sight. Environmental Health Associates: 3–4. February 2005.
  • "Food Safety and the CEO: Keys to Bottom Line Success" (PDF). Food Safety Magazine. Target Group Inc. October–November 2007. ISSN 1084-5984.
  • "Serving Up Trouble". Trial. American Association for Justice. 45 (2). February 2009.
  • "Legal Issues for Food Safety: What Every Food Professional Should Know" (PDF). Food Quality and Safety. Wiley. 5 (3): 6. September 2009. ISSN 1092-7514.
  • "Lawyers, Microbiologists, and Safe Food" (PDF). Microbiologist. Society for Applied Microbiology. 11 (2): 44–45. June 2010. ISSN 1479-2699.

References
  1. Martin, Andrew (December 6, 2007). "Meat Processors Look for Ways to Keep Ground Beef Safe". The New York Times. New York City. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  2. Crane, Misti (July 4, 2008). "E. coli etiquette". The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus OH. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  3. Elias, Paul (February 5, 2008). "Lawyer makes good money following bad food outbreaks". Oakland Tribune. San Jose. Archived from the original on February 20, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2016 – via HighBeam Research.
  4. "Erie Couple is Suing KFC". Food Safety Network. Guelph, Ontario. January 28, 2003. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011 – via Wayback Machine.
  5. "Conagra Set For Mediation Over Illness From E. Coli". Food Safety Network. Guelph, Ontario. October 4, 2002. Archived from the original on August 11, 2011 – via Wayback Machine.
  6. Palmer, Sharon (June 2005). "Putting a Price Tag on Food Poisoning Fallout". Today's Dietitian. 7 (6): 30. Archived from the original on November 11, 2006 – via Wayback Machine.
  7. "Unraveling the E. Coli Outbreak: Are State Emergency Response Systems Prepared for Outbreaks of Food Borne Illnesses?". California State Senate. October 11, 2006. Archived from the original on May 2, 2009 – via Wayback Machine.
  8. "Written Testimony Before The Committee on Energy and Commerce" (PDF). United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce. February 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 28, 2008 – via Wayback Machine.
  9. Andrews, Colman (January 27, 2016). "America's 50 Most Powerful People in Food for 2016". The Daily Meal. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  10. "The 9th Annual Blawg 100". American Bar Association. Chicago. December 1, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  11. Hylton, Wil S. (January 26, 2015). "A Bug in the System". ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  12. "Alumni Awards : Seattle University School of Law : Seattle Washington". law.seattleu.edu. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  13. "Past Alumni Award Recipients - Alumni Awards - Events - Alumni - Seattle University". www.seattleu.edu. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  14. "NSF International Announces 2010 Food Safety Leadership Award Winners". Food Processing. Retrieved November 18, 2019.
  15. "Awards: Public Justice". Washington State Association for Justice. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  16. "Outstanding lawyer: William D. Marler". -King County Bar Association.
  17. "Attorney Profile: William D. Marler". Super Lawyers. October 10, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  18. "Locke announces selections for higher education posts". Office of Governor Gary Locke. December 18, 1997. Retrieved January 29, 2016.
  19. "Former Pullman Councilman Bill Marler confirmed as WSU Regent". Washington State University. February 12, 1998. Archived from the original on May 17, 2008. Retrieved January 29, 2016 – via Wayback Machine.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.