Chris D. Schlag

/My focus

I counsel business and industry clients on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, sustainability, stewardship, packaging, and regulatory compliance. I bring a unique blend of legal and technical experience to help clients navigate complex challenges across industries such as agriculture, food and beverage, packaging, manufacturing, and retail.

Regulatory Compliance & Enforcement

With a science background and experience working in-house with Whole Foods Market and Tyson Foods, I have a proven track record of tackling complex regulatory and enforcement issues, spanning environmental, social, and governance matters, including chemical risk management, product stewardship, responsible sourcing, packaging circularity and extended producer responsibility (EPR), climate risks and opportunities, social responsibility, human capital management, and environmental stewardship. I help deliver strategic solutions that drive impact by having a deep understanding of business issues, desired business outcomes, technical considerations, and regulatory processes.

Due Diligence

I assist with due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, and co-ventures, and with assuring adequate controls are in place to mitigate or properly manage environmental, social, or governance risks. I am familiar with the agriculture, manufacturing, construction, energy, food and beverage, and retail industries as well as programmatic and technical documentation for various businesses, and I am able to evaluate information, permitting, compliance history, and company documents efficiently and effectively to advise on risks, potential liability, and enforcement.

Transactional Assistance

In keeping my clients informed and apprised of evolving legal landscapes and related risks, I can assist with identifying effective transactional solutions to achieve desired business outcomes. I have significant experience reviewing, advising on, and crafting supplier codes of conduct, certificates of compliance, letters of guarantee, chemical disclosures, subcontracting plans, and third-party auditing expectations and programs.

Policy & Programmatic Support

As the legal and political landscape for environmental, social, and governance issues is continually in flux, I help clients remain informed and effective in implementing internal policies and programs to achieve compliance, meet stakeholder expectations, and mitigate risks. I help clients review programs, policies, procedures, and training materials, and with navigating third-party audits and certifications, including response to audits, sharing audit information with customers, and attaining third-party certifications and assurances. I also assist clients with establishing and enhancing procurement and supply chain management strategies to navigate patchwork state legislation on ingredients, restricted substances (e.g., PFAS and heavy metals), and stewardship responsibilities (e.g., EPR registration, reporting, and management).

As my diverse skill set spans policy development, regulatory compliance, transactional guidance, and litigation, I am able to craft tailored solutions that address complex issues effectively. This comprehensive approach ensures clients receive strategic, impactful advice to navigate today’s evolving legal and business landscape.

/Representative experience

• Successfully resolved client’s dispute with an institutional shareholder over human rights considerations by finding a solution that achieved a “win-win” for both parties, resulting in the shareholder choosing to forgo filing a shareholder proposal
• Identified supply chain solutions for emerging chemistry requirements in packaging, which ensured the client could effectively manage packaging chemical risks and customer expectations without imposing a significant administrative obligation
• Successfully negotiated a corporate-wide settlement agreement for a large distribution client, resolving 18 pending safety citation appeals in a single agreement and with limited litigation proceedings
• Coordinated and led client and consultant team to analyze hazardous substances in raw material products, identify product hazard classification, ensure proper labeling, and implement effective chemical risk management controls
• Developed global procedures for client’s response to government actions (e.g., complaints, citations, notices, and inspections), leading to increased response consistency and timeliness as well as improved oversight of potential enforcement actions
• Successfully advised client and consultant team on the identification and navigation of key opportunities around carbon commercialization and climate action, including navigation of federal and state grant opportunities, third-party agreements, legal and compliance considerations, and minimization of risks
• Identified programmatic and transactional solution for consumer brand client to manage emerging stewardship and circularity requirements for packaging allowing for efficient management of packaging risks within their supply chain and reduced compliance burden

/Looking ahead

Despite the dynamic legal and political landscape surrounding environmental, social, and governance issues, businesses are facing and will continue to face challenges and risks in these areas, requiring practical, innovative, and intentional long-term solutions. Businesses that remain grounded in intentional, but also forward-looking strategies to address environmental, social, and governance issues relevant to their businesses and industries are also likely to come out ahead as these issues continue to evolve.

/Insights

• "Breaking Down the Top Four Legal Challenges in Sanitation, Conservation, and Recycling," 2025 Waste Expo, Las Vegas, NV, May 6, 2025