Careers at OFW Law
Regulatory Attorney and Government Relations Jobs at OFW Law in Washington, DC
Build a regulatory and policy practice with FDA, USDA, CBP, and federal agencies.
OFW Law represents companies and trade associations in federal regulatory matters involving food, agriculture, customs, cannabis, trade, and medical products. Agency work includes FDA, USDA (FSIS, APHIS, AMS, FNS), CBP, DEA, Congress, USTR, EPA, and FTC.
We hire regulatory attorneys and government affairs professionals who want direct client work in a focused federal practice.
The Firm at a Glance
1979
30+
400+
Open Positions
Current Open Positions at OFW Law
OFW Law is hiring across three practice areas. Each position is open to candidates with relevant federal-agency or regulatory practice experience. Joi Jackson coordinates recruiting at [email protected].
Candidates whose background fits OFW Law’s practice may send a resume and cover letter to the same address, even when a matching role is not listed. The firm accepts general inquiries from experienced regulatory attorneys between formal openings.
FDA Principal Attorney - Medical Device or Drug/Biologics Focus
Reports To: OFW Law Executive Committee
Setting: Full Time; Nationwide; Virtual (option for in-office if in the DC Metropolitan area)
About OFW Law
OFW Law is a boutique law firm specializing in regulatory, compliance, and policy matters involving FDA- and USDA-regulated products. In the medical products area, we represent companies and trade associations in the biopharmaceutical and medical device space. In our work, we provide legal, policy, regulatory, and legislative assistance to clients.
Job Overview
OFW Law is seeking a Principal attorney to oversee client matters involving legal, regulatory, and policy analysis, focusing on “core” FDA medical device, and/or drug and biologics requirements. Responsibilities will include advising clients on:
- Pre-market applications and notifications (NDA, ANDA, BLA, IND, PMA, and/or 510(k)), pre-clinical, and clinical trial processes and requirements, including good clinical practice guidelines;
- Compliance with over-the-counter monographs and administrative orders;
- Product classifications and advice on pathways to lawful product marketing;
- Current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) applicable to drugs and dietary supplements, and/or medical device quality system regulation;
- Label/labeling; indication for use and directions for use; scientific and clinical data and other evidentiary reports; and similar medical products related matters;
- Federal regulatory enforcement, including responding to inspectional observations and warning and untitled letters;
- Standard operating procedures, manuals, and policies for clients to implement and improve business processes and for compliance with regulatory requirements; and
- Current and emerging regulations and policies of FDA.
The attorney would have frequent contact with firm clients and be self-directed in accomplishing client goals. OFW Law clients value attentiveness and responsiveness to matters so the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, knowledgeably, and in a timely manner, both orally and in writing to colleagues, clients, and government agencies is imperative. The ideal candidate would have 7+ years of experience with similar work at a major national law firm or work experience at FDA.
OFW Law’s office is in Washington, D.C. However, we are a fully hybrid workplace, with the option of working entirely remotely.
Required Skills
- Possess and maintain knowledge and skills in areas of expertise, as required;
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and achieve successful results through effective interactions;
- Excellent legal and related research and writing skills, and advanced experience using legal research tools such as Lexis/Thompson Reuters;
- Deep understanding of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended;
- Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business advice in oral and written communications;
- Maturity, with the ability to manage your own calendar and work with minimal supervision;
- Strong analytical skills coupled with practical business sense so that you can review, comprehend, and distill complex legal concepts and translate them into practical client advice; and
- Focus on client satisfaction and understanding of a client’s business and strategic goals.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, license to practice law in any state and/or the District of Columbia, and a minimum of seven (7) years relevant experience with demonstrated skills and expertise;
- Prior work experience with FDA and/or other government agencies, preferred but not required; and
- Masters of Science or other relevant advanced degree or certification, preferred but not required.
- While a portable book of billable business is always welcome, it is not required for this position.
Career Trajectory
OFW Law is focused on attorney development and advancement. OFW Law creates opportunities for its attorneys to work directly with clients. Unlike major national law firms, OFW Law does not have a lock-step advancement infrastructure, but has flexibility to encourage career development while maintaining a work-life balance. Our clients remain the center of our work, and offer the opportunity to represent national healthcare leaders, including major corporations and emerging innovators. At OFW Law we do big law caliber work in the boutique setting.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience, plus benefits.
Application
Please send a resume and a cover letter to Joi Jackson: [email protected].
FDA Food Attorney - Principal and Associate Openings
Reports To: Chair of OFW Law FDA Food Practice
Setting: Full Time; Nationwide; Virtual (option for in-office if in the DC Metropolitan area)
About OFW Law
OFW Law is a boutique law firm specializing in regulatory, compliance, and policy matters involving FDA and USDA-regulated products. In the food products area, we represent companies that manufacture, distribute, import, and market food products, as well as their trade associations. In our work, we provide legal, policy, regulatory, and legislative assistance to clients.
Job Overview
OFW Law is seeking food attorneys to oversee client matters involving legal, regulatory, and policy analysis, focusing on FDA and related requirements involving the marketing, promotion, sale, and safety of food products and food ingredients. Responsibilities will include advising clients on:
- Safety assessments and pathways to market food additives, GRAS substances, color additives, food contact substances, and new dietary ingredients;
- Labeling and promotion of food and dietary supplement products, including mandatory label and labeling requirements;
- FDA requirements, along with state litigation and FTC risk analysis regarding product claims on food labels and in advertising;
- Food Safety Modernization Act requirements and current good manufacturing practices;
- Recalls and market withdrawals;
- Federal regulatory enforcement, including responding to inspectional observations, warning and untitled letters, and import holds, detentions, and alerts;
- Federal and state policy developments, including relevant FDA regulatory proposals and guidance, federal legislation, state legislation, and state litigation; and
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs), manuals, and policies for clients to implement and improve business processes and for compliance with regulatory requirements.
The attorney would have frequent contact with firm clients and would be expected to be self-directed in accomplishing client goals. Clients value OFW Law’s attentiveness and responsiveness so the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, knowledgeably, and in a timely manner, both orally and in writing to colleagues, clients, and government agencies is imperative.
The ideal candidate would have interest in building their practice and supporting OFW’s existing client base. Experience at FDA or similar work at a major national law firm is required. Associate applicants must have 2 to 5 years of experience, and Principal applicants must have 8+ years of experience.
OFW Law’s office is in Washington, D.C. However, we are a fully hybrid workplace, with the option of working entirely remotely.
Required Skills
- Possess and maintain knowledge and skills in areas of expertise, as required;
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and achieve successful results through effective interactions;
- Excellent legal and related research and writing skills, and advanced experience using legal research tools such as Lexis/Thompson Reuters;
- Deep understanding of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act as amended;
- Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical business advice in oral and written communications;
- Maturity, with the ability to manage your own calendar and work;
- Strong analytical skills coupled with practical business sense so that you can review, comprehend, and distill complex legal concepts and translate them into practical client advice;
- Flexible, eager to learn, and able to manage dynamic and rapid policy changes; and
- Focus on client satisfaction and understanding of a client’s business and strategic goals.
Qualifications
- J.D. degree from an ABA-accredited law school, license to practice law in any state and/or the District of Columbia;
- Associate applicants must have 2 to 5 years of experience, and Principal applicants must have 8+ years of experience;
- Prior work experience with FDA preferred but not required; and
- Masters of Science or other relevant advanced degree or certification, preferred but not required.
- While a portable book of billable business is always welcome, it is not required for these positions.
Career Trajectory
OFW Law is focused on attorney development and advancement. OFW Law creates opportunities for its attorneys to work directly with clients. Unlike major national law firms, OFW Law does not have a lock-step advancement infrastructure, but has flexibility to encourage career development while maintaining a work-life balance. Our clients remain the center of our work, and offer the opportunity to represent national healthcare leaders, including major corporations and emerging innovators. At OFW Law we do big law caliber work in the boutique setting.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience, plus benefits.
Application
Please send a resume and a cover letter to Joi Jackson: [email protected]. Applications will be considered in order received.
Senior Policy Advisor - Government Relations Practice
Reports To: Chair of OFW Law Government Relations Practice
Setting: Full Time; Washington, D.C. (hybrid schedule for in-office; frequent in-person for meetings and lobbying is required)
About OFW Law
OFW Law is a boutique law firm specializing in regulatory, compliance, and policy matters involving FDA- and USDA-regulated products. In our government relations practice, we represent trade associations, companies, and nonprofits to help them achieve their business and humanitarian goals involving food, agriculture, and healthcare. In our work we provide policy, regulatory, and legislative assistance to clients and lobby the U.S. Congress, the White House, USDA, FDA, USTR, and EPA.
Job Overview
The Senior Policy Advisor will serve as a prominent member of OFW Law’s Government Relations Practice and will collaborate regularly with other practice groups. The successful candidate will be expected to interact with clients, Congress, the White House, Executive Branch agencies, the D.C. diplomatic corps, nonprofits, and business and industry across value chains in support of client initiatives and projects. Responsibilities will include advising clients on a multitude of policy areas spanning food, agriculture, international trade, and healthcare. The Senior Policy Advisor would have frequent contact with firm clients and work independently and collaboratively with the government relations practice in accomplishing client goals. OFW Law clients value attentiveness and responsiveness to matters so the ability to communicate effectively, professionally, knowledgeably, and in a timely manner, both orally and in writing to colleagues, clients, and government agencies is imperative.
Required Skills
- Deep understanding of federal legislative, political, and regulatory processes with an ability to apply them to achieve client goals;
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and achieve successful results through effective interactions;
- Excellent public speaking, research, and writing skills;
- High-level customer service for internal and external interaction and collaboration;
- Ability to translate complex legislative and regulatory requirements into practical business advice in oral and written communications;
- Strong analytical skills coupled with practical business sense to enable reviewing, comprehending, and distilling complex policy concepts and translate them into practical client advice;
- Maturity, with the ability to manage your own calendar and work with minimal supervision;
- Focus on client satisfaction and ability to discern and understand a client’s business and strategic goals; and
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information while using it to lobby effectively.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree or law degree is a plus
- At least 10 years of work experience required
- Integrity and a customer service mindset is required
- A strong bipartisan reputation is required
- Demonstrated interest in agriculture, food, or healthcare policy is required
- Significant Capitol Hill and lobbying experience is a plus
- Presidential Administration experience is a plus
- Experience as a registered multi-client, corporate, or trade association lobbyist is a plus
At OFW Law, we have the flexibility to encourage career development while maintaining a work-life balance. Our clients remain the center of our work, and offer the opportunity to represent national agriculture, food, and healthcare leaders, including major corporations and emerging innovators. At OFW Law’s government relations practice, we do big lobby firm work in a boutique setting.
Salary and Benefits
Compensation: $200,000+, commensurate with experience, plus benefits.
Application
Please send a resume and a cover letter including salary requirements to Joi Jackson: [email protected].
Who Thrives Here
Who Thrives at OFW Law
OFW Law fits attorneys and policy professionals who already know how federal regulatory agencies operate. We hire people who care more about regulatory depth than the size of the firm name on their email signature.
Attorneys with FDA, USDA, CBP, or DEA experience
Senior policy professionals with Hill or executive-branch judgment
Lawyers ready for a smaller regulatory platform
How to Apply
How the Application Process Works
OFW Law accepts applications by email. The process is similar across the three open positions.
01
What to submit
02
Who reviews applications
03
What happens next
Send applications to Joi Jackson
Why OFW Law
Why Build a Regulatory Career at OFW Law
OFW Law concentrates on federal regulatory law for food, agriculture, FDA-regulated products, cannabis, customs, trade, and medical devices. Attorneys spend their hours on the work they trained for, rather than rotating through unrelated practice groups.
The firm handles national regulatory work in a boutique setting. Clients include national trade associations, publicly traded food and agriculture companies, hemp and cannabis businesses, and importers responding to CBP detentions. The agencies are familiar, the matters move quickly, and the client relationships are direct.
Substantive client work from day one
Associates and senior advisors work with agency contacts and client decision-makers. New hires do not sit in document-review pools while regulatory work stays elsewhere.
Hybrid and fully remote options
OFW Law is a hybrid workplace. FDA attorney roles may be worked entirely remotely from anywhere in the United States. Government Relations work stays tied to Washington, DC. Hill meetings, agency visits, and lobbying work often happen in person.
Advancement by client impact and practice growth
Advancement follows client impact and practice growth. The firm has room to support career development while preserving work-life balance.
What We Offer
What OFW Law Offers Its Attorneys
OFW Law combines small-firm flexibility with the depth of a national regulatory practice. Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes the benefits expected from a Washington, DC law firm. For many candidates, the work structure matters as much as salary.
Hybrid DC office or fully remote nationwide
No portable book of business required
Direct client and agency contact
Boutique-scale work-life balance
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About OFW Law Careers
OFW Law focuses on federal regulatory practice involving USDA, FDA, FSIS, CBP, DEA, USTR, EPA, FTC, and Congress. The work covers food, agriculture, customs, trade, cannabis, medical products, and government relations. The firm was founded in 1979 and brings more than 400 years of combined legal experience across attorneys and Senior Policy Advisors.
If your background fits one of those practice areas, OFW Law offers a focused place to deepen that work. Read more on the About OFW Law page before applying.
FDA attorney positions at OFW Law are full-time, nationwide, and remote optional, with the choice to work from the Washington, DC office. The FDA Food Attorney and FDA Medical Device or Drug/Biologics roles can be worked entirely remotely.
The Senior Policy Advisor role is the exception. It requires a DC hybrid schedule because Hill meetings, agency visits, and lobbying work often happen in person. Candidates for FDA roles may apply from anywhere in the United States.
FDA Food Attorney roles require 2 to 5 years for Associate candidates and 8+ years for Principal candidates. The FDA Medical Device or Drug/Biologics Principal role requires 7+ years. Principal-level candidates need prior work at FDA or at a major national law firm. The Associate-level food role prefers that background.
An MS in regulatory science or a life-science field is welcome, though the role does not require it. Candidates whose years and credentials match the role should send a resume and cover letter to Joi Jackson at [email protected].
OFW Law does not run a lock-step advancement track. Advancement is based on client impact and practice development rather than class year. Junior associates work with clients and federal agencies from the start.
Development still has to fit the way attorneys work. FDA roles include fully remote options for that reason. Candidates can raise specific development goals during the interview process.
OFW Law welcomes a portable book of billable business, but applicants do not need one for any currently open position. Hiring decisions are driven by federal agency experience, regulatory practice depth, and fit with the relevant practice area.
Candidates without a client list may still be considered for senior FDA or policy roles. Send the recruiting email to [email protected] with a resume and cover letter.
The Senior Policy Advisor role starts at $200,000+, commensurate with experience, plus benefits. Applications for that role must include salary requirements.
FDA attorney roles are also compensated commensurate with experience plus benefits, with specific ranges discussed during the interview process. The Senior Policy Advisor range gives candidates with bipartisan Capitol Hill or executive-branch experience a clear number before applying.
OFW Law reviews FDA Food Attorney applications on a rolling basis as received. Other roles follow a similar review process. First-round interviews are typically scheduled within two weeks of a complete application.
Final interviews involve the relevant practice leadership. The Executive Committee reviews the Medical Device or Drug/Biologics role. The practice chairs review the Food and Government Relations roles. Include any timing issue in the cover letter, including a notice period or competing offer.
OFW Law accepts active bar admission in any state or in the District of Columbia for FDA attorney positions. A J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school is required for the FDA roles.
The Senior Policy Advisor role requires a bachelor’s degree. A J.D. or master’s degree is preferred but not required. Candidates relocating to DC or working from another state can apply with existing bar membership.
Ready to Apply to OFW Law?
OFW Law · 2000 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 4003 · Washington, DC 20006