Partner, Brussels
2 Avenue de Tervueren
1040 Brussels Belgium

TEL: 32.2.278.1224
FAX: 32.2.278.1200
EMAIL: uschliessner@mckennalong.com

PROFILE

Ursula Schliessner is the managing partner for the Firm's Brussels office. Her practice focuses on European Community regulatory law, with an emphasis on environmental, food, biotech, workers' health & safety and product safety regulatory matters.

Ursula advises companies on regulatory compliance issues, product authorizations, circulation and labeling across the European Union. Ursula represents individual corporations and trade associations across numerous industry sectors, including food, chemicals (REACH), biocides, minerals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, electronics, medical devices, textiles and toys.  Her practice includes specific counseling and advice on borderline product issues, including in the area of food, biocides, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal protective equipment.

Ursula has over 17 years experience in EU regulatory matters. She also handles product recalls, assists in the environmental aspects of acquisitions, and assists in advocacy strategies. Her high-profile cases include two successfully completed EU marketing authorizations of genetically modified corn under Directive 90/220 (now 2001/18), and several successfully concluded EU notifications and authorizations of novel foods under the EU's Novel Food Regulation 258/97.

Ursula was recently recognized by Chambers Europe 2006/2007 as the lead partner responsible for the success of the firm's Regulatory and Public Affairs practice group in Brussels. She has also been acknowledged by Global Counsel 3000 (2003/4 Edition; Belgium, European Union, Life Sciences section; one out of three Leading Individuals for Life Sciences), The European Legal 500 (2001 Edition; Belgium, EU section, in particular recommended for Food and Drugs), European Counsel Life Science Industry Report (2003 Edition, one out of three leading for Life Sciences: Regulatory; 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 Edition, one out of four leading for Regulatory), and Euromoney Legal Media Group Guide to the World's Leading Environment Lawyers (2000 and 2005 Editions).

Publications

• "Sectoral report on Food Safety - Adjudication and Rulemaking", European Union Administrative Law Project, American Bar Association, July 12, 2007
• "Comitology-The New Recipe for Food," Epsilon E-Zine, March 2007 
• "EU Regulation of Genetically Modified Enzymes," PLC Cross-Border Handbook, Life Sciences 2005/2006, January 2006 (co-authored by Ruxandra Cana)
• "EU environmental policy - what's next?" published in the Guide to the World's Leading Environment Lawyers, October 2005
• "European Social Dialogue- Achieving Successful H&S Regulation," Industrial Minerals, No. 437 (74-77), February 2004

Presentations

• "Registration/Pre-registration/Consortia under REACH", Part IV of International Chemicals Regulation: There's More Just Beyond our REACH, ABA Section of International Law, 2007 Fall Meeting, London, October 3-6, 2007.

•  "How to Comply with REACH and what are the Special Issues for Non-EU Companies", ChemCon of The Americas 2007, Montreal, September 18-21, 2007

• "JPMorgan Minutes: Groupe Danone - How focus on Health and Nutrition can Become a Competitive Advantage", Ursula Schliessner of McKenna Long & Aldridge discusses the opportunities and challenges created by the current EU legal framework for novel foods, food health and nutrition claims, fortified foods, food supplements, and comitology at JP Morgan Danone Investors briefing in Paris, October 24, 2006
• "EU Regulatory Policy on Food- Business Challenges and Opportunities", JP Morgan Investors Meeting, Paris, October 2, 2006
• "EU Health & Safety Legislation Now and Tomorrow", organized by The European Cement Association (CEMBUREAU), General Assembly on The European Cement Industry: A Health Perspective to be held in Stockholm, June 13, 2006
• "Liability and Regulatory Compliance Considerations for Companies Facing the Obesity Debate," 2nd Annual Obesity Europe Conference - Developing a Long-Term Strategy for Health and Wellness, Brussels, June 6-7, 2006
• "Getting Food and Food Contact Products Approved under the EU Food Regulatory Framework: Legal Rights and Safeguards Case Studies," Brussels, November 30, 2005
• "Immediate Concerns for Industry After REACH Enters into Force," Brussels, November 30, 2005
• "What Will The Proposed New Legislation On MisLeading Food Labels Mean For Industry?", 1st Annual Obesity Europe Conference, Brussels, June 15, 2005
• "Legal Implications of the European Commission's Proposal for a Revised Chemicals Regulation ("REACH")", "Towards a New EU Chemicals Policy", Colipa Information Forum 2004, The European Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association, March 31, 2004