The role of a company’s top lawyer has expanded so much over the past several years that, according to legal experts, it now may even extend to helping prevent a product recall.

And probably no one knows this better than Robert Normile, executive vice president, chief legal officer and secretary at toy-making giant Mattel Inc. Last month, all models of Fisher-Price Inc.’s Rock ‘n Play sleepers were recalled following reports of infant deaths while using the product. At least four class action lawsuits have been filed, including one against Amazon.com, alleging the recall of the 4.7 million products is inadequate.