—Brussels, Belgium— International law firm Keller and Heckman LLP expands its suite of offerings to clients operating or doing business in Europe with the strategic addition of Craig Simpson as Partner in its Brussels office. Craig joins the firm following six years as Senior Legal Officer in the Food and Veterinary Unit of the European Free Trade Association (‘EFTA’) Surveillance Authority (‘ESA’) where he was responsible for pursuing infringement proceedings against EEA EFTA State laws or administrative practices constituting illegal trade barriers and advising on food, feed and veterinary regulatory compliance issues under the EEA Agreement. Before joining ESA, Craig practiced as Of Counsel in the life sciences group of an international law firm for thirteen years advising and representing multinational companies and European trade associations on EU life science regulatory compliance and associated commercial, contract and competition law issues. 

Craig has particular experience in food and feed regulation, having advised in that area for over twenty years in both private practice and the public sector. He also has significant experience advising clients on market access and regulatory compliance matters concerning chemicals (REACH, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (‘RoHS’), Persistent Organic Pollutants (‘POPs’), Classification, Labelling and Packaging (‘CLP’)), medical devices, biocidal products and CE marking, and on specific consumer protection and product safety requirements.

“Craig’s professional career to date, with its particular focus on food and feed regulatory compliance in both the public and private sectors, will enhance the team’s ability to help clients find solutions to their most complex business issues, including European market entry, product launches, and sustainability and innovation initiatives,” said Rachida Semail, lead partner of the firm’s Brussels office. “His arrival reflects the firm’s commitment to supporting clients conducting business in Europe and internationally and signifies its continued growth since the opening of the EU office more than 30 years ago.”

“I am excited to be joining Keller and Heckman’s well-regarded team of professionals, which includes attorneys and scientists working side-by-side to assist clients in navigating complex life science regulatory compliance issues. My professional experience to date in Keller and Heckman’s key practice areas means that I am well placed to offer strategic guidance to clients operating in the relevant industries,” said Craig Simpson.

Craig’s arrival in the firm’s Brussels office follows a series of recent hires and promotions bolstering Keller and Heckman’s legal talent. Ales Bartl, resident in the firm’s Brussels office and part of the Chemical Control and Environmental practice groups, was promoted to Partner earlier this year. In the United States, Partner Sophie Castillo joined the Proposition 65 and Litigation practices in the San Francisco office. Partner David Joy joined the Food and Drug practice and Partner Katie Bond, along with Associate Samuel Butler, joined the Advertising and Promotion practice, all resident in the firm’s Washington, DC office. 

Craig received a LL.B. from University College London, a Legal Practice Diploma from The College of Law, London, and M.A. from College of Europe, Bruges.

About Keller and Heckman

Keller and Heckman is an internationally renowned law firm with a broad practice in the areas of regulatory law, public policy, and litigation. From offices around the world, we represent global companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including technology, telecommunications, food and food additives, plastics, pesticides, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, drugs, medical devices, and transportation. We are a pioneer in the use of interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving with an in-house scientific staff that works closely with the attorneys on matters of technical complexity.

—Washington, DC— LieAnn Van-Tull, an associate with Keller and Heckman’s Food and Drug Packaging and Tobacco and E-Vapor practice groups, was sworn in as President of the Washington Bar Association (WBA) on June 14, 2023. In addition, LieAnn was honored as a National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) Diversity Scholar for the 2023 – 2024 class. 

Founded in 1925, the Washington Bar Association is the oldest and largest predominantly Black bar association in Washington, DC. The WBA’s leadership team is dedicated to improving and protecting the well-being of the legal profession and its members, advancing the science of jurisprudence and the administration of justice, and promoting diversity within the legal field. 

 “Having served as President-Elect, Secretary, and Membership Chair, LieAnn has been an active member of the WBA since 2016,” said Cynthia Lieberman, Chair of Keller and Heckman’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. “She is also a talented and hardworking attorney here at Keller and Heckman. Both of LieAnn’s accomplishments – being elected WBA President and receiving the NCBP Diversity Scholar award – highlight her commitment to legal excellence and LieAnn’s dedication to the greater legal community.”

The National Conference of Bar Presidents was founded in 1950 to empower, connect, and inspire bar leaders and organizations. As a Diversity Scholar, LieAnn will attend NCBP leadership trainings and conferences throughout the year.

“It is such an honor to be of service as the President of the WBA and to have been selected as a NCBP Diversity Scholar,” commented LieAnn, “and I am excited about the promising year ahead. I am especially looking forward to fulfilling this year’s bar theme, ‘Legacy Is the Foundation Upon Which We Build: Moving Forward Boldly,’ by building upon the WBA’s current membership and creating more opportunities for law students, lawyers, and judges to collaborate with WBA’s stakeholders.”

Richard Mann, Chair of Keller and Heckman’s Management Committee, congratulated LieAnn on her achievements. “LieAnn’s clear dedication to protecting equal justice under the law, community engagement, and improving diversity in the legal profession will make her a natural fit for the President role. As a firm, we look forward to watching her succeed in her new position.”

LieAnn will serve as President of the WBA for the 2023 – 2024 bar year.

About Keller and Heckman

Keller and Heckman LLP represents a wide spectrum of companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including plastics, food and food additives, tobacco and e-vapor, drugs and medical devices, advertising and labeling, pesticides, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, transportation, and telecommunications. The firm's practice covers the diverse regulatory areas that affect these industries, as well as public policy and litigation matters. Our attorneys and scientists emphasize creative service to clients involved in the development of new products, services, and markets. Our attorneys and staff serve clients from offices in Washington DC, Brussels, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Boulder.