Overview

Josephine Pechous helps clients in the food and agribusiness industries navigate the evolving landscape of food regulations and consumer protection laws. Positioned at the intersection of regulatory counseling and litigation defense, Josephine supports producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in protecting their brands and managing risk. She draws on her background in the biological sciences and hands-on experience in food science, bioinformatics, and sustainability to offer pragmatic guidance on regulatory compliance and business-centered litigation strategy.

Food Litigation Defense & Regulatory Counsel

As a member of Faegre Drinker’s nationally recognized food litigation and regulatory practice, Josephine supports teams defending companies facing consumer class actions, foodborne illness litigation, and complex food contamination cases, taking a proactive and strategic approach. A skilled writer with an eye for visual advocacy, Josephine is known for drafting clear, compelling communications and legal pleadings tailored to each client's objectives. She translates complex regulations into actionable solutions, with regulatory experience spanning food safety, product labeling and claim substantiation, dietary supplements, animal agriculture, and toxic torts. Josephine is particularly well versed in the labeling and advertising of food products and dietary supplements, providing her with the foundation to advise on regulatory compliance and industry best practices while anticipating potential litigation risks.

Prior Experience

Josephine started at Faegre Drinker as a summer associate. As a law student, she concentrated in food and agriculture law and policy and worked with small businesses on food labeling compliance and analyzed agricultural programs to inform legislative initiatives.

Personal Interests

Outside of the office, Josephine enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking, reading historical fiction, and travelling internationally.

Credentials

Bar Admissions

Minnesota

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota

Education

Vermont Law School
J.D. summa cum laude, with a concentration in Food and Agriculture Law & Policy, Vermont Journal of Environmental Law (senior notes editor) (2024)

Drake University
B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology/Biochemistry, summa cum laude (2021)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives
  • What is Country of Origin Labeling?
    Author, Center for Agriculture and Food Systems’ Labels Unwrapped, May 2024
  • Stay Vigilant: Keeping Companies Accountable Under France’s New Corporate Duty of Vigilance Law
    Author, EcoPerspectives, May 2023
  • Large-Scale Crop Production for the Moon and Mars: Current Gaps and Future Perspectives
    Author, Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, February 2022

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

  • Pro Bono Immigration Team
  • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Wills Clinic
  • Volunteer Lawyers Network, Housing Clinic
  • Advocates for Human Rights

Professional Associations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association — New Lawyers Section

Honors

  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2024-25
  • Vermont Law and Graduate School — Learned Hand Award, 2024
  • Vermont Law and Graduate School — Scholarship & Leadership Award, 2024