Faegre Drinker Welcomes Food and Agribusiness Partner Michael Stark

Faegre Drinker announced today that Michael Stark has joined the firm’s product liability and mass torts group and food litigation and regulatory practices as a partner. Based in the East Coast, Stark joins from Smithfield Foods where he served as deputy general counsel.

Stark brings broad experience and a deep understanding of the legal challenges faced by the food and agribusiness sector, from regulatory compliance to complex litigation and policy-driven disputes. His in-house litigation and trial experience will enable him to effectively counsel clients facing challenging situations.

“Michael has an impressive reputation in the food and agribusiness sector that we are thrilled to be adding to our team,” said Sarah Brew, leader of the firm’s food litigation and regulatory practice. “His experience in complex environmental mass tort and class action litigation adds further strength to our team’s litigation bench and client offerings.”

In food and agribusiness litigation, Stark has managed complex, high-stakes disputes that directly impact the industry's operations and regulatory landscape. He played a pivotal role in defending a pork producer subsidiary in landmark nuisance litigation, including serving as trial counsel in five multiweek federal bellwether trials.

“We’re excited to welcome Michael to Faegre Drinker. His in-house experience will be beneficial to our clients and how we serve them,” said Maureen Hardwick Donahue, Washington, D.C., office leader. “Michael’s collaborative spirit will make him a great addition to the entire firm.”  

Stark earned his Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from West Virginia University and his Juris Doctor from West Virginia University College of Law. After graduation he clerked for Judge Stephanie Thacker of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.