ROBERTS NEW DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL AGRIGULTURAL LAW CENTER

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Two years after receiving his LL.M. degree from the Graduate Program in Agricultural Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law, Michael T. Roberts returns to Fayetteville to assume the position of Director of the National Agricultural Law Center and Associate Professor of Law.

He will also teach a graduate course in food safety law in the Graduate Program in Agricultural Law during the Spring 2004 semester.

Michael brings to the Center a strong background in representing agribusinesses and agricultural producers and associations. He has practiced law for 14 years, as a shareholder of a large firm where he chaired the firm's intellectual property section, and as general counsel to an international marketing company. He also established and served as chairperson of the Lex Mundi Agribusiness Practice Group, the world's leading association of independent law firms.

Under Michael's leadership, the National AgLaw Center will establish a network of agriculture and food professionals and will continue to expand its Web site at www.NationalAgLawCenter.org into a comprehensive information gateway and legal resource for the general public and members of the agricultural community. The Center will also continue to expand its efforts to provide agricultural and food law contacts, research publications, research guides, and updates of primary law developments.

###

Ann Winfred (479) 575-7646; awinfred@uark.edu