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Eric Rubel focuses on product safety matters and related litigation. Mr. Rubel was General Counsel to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from 1994 to 1997. He has extensive experience as a product safety lawyer helping companies at all stages of a product's lifecycle, including to:

  • address potential safety issues before a product is launched,
  • assess compliance with CPSC regulations,
  • develop effective recalls in the US and as part of coordinated global corrective action plans,
  • avoid unnecessary recalls, and
  • defend CPSC late reporting and post-recall sale investigations and other enforcement actions.

Mr. Rubel helps clients manage and coordinate the various litigation and regulatory matters that may arise out of product safety issues, including consumer class actions and commercial claims.

In addition, Mr. Rubel helps companies navigate state product safety requirements, including in the evolving area of "Green Chemistry" and chemicals of concern.

Mr. Rubel's experience includes representing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of clothing, toys and other children's products, sporting goods, household appliances, home furnishings, heating and cooling equipment, lighting products, computer equipment, lithium-ion batteries, building materials, premiums, packaging, pharmaceutical drugs, cosmetics, and other products.

Perspectives

CPSC Notification Requirements, Recalls and Recent Enforcement Actions: Desk Reference for Section 15 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (pdf)
Arnold & Porter Desk Reference
CPSC Wading Back into the 6(b) Fray
Enforcement Edge: Shining Light on Government Enforcement
2022 Midterm Election Analysis & Outlook for 118th Congress (pdf)
Advisory
Private Labeling: Evaluating and Managing Product Safety and Liability Risks
Arnold & Porter Webinar-of-the-Month Club for Retailers
Consumer Product Safety Notification Requirements: Section 15 of the Consumer Product Safety Act (pdf)
BNA, Inc., Product Safety & Liability Reporter

Recognition

Chambers USA
Product Liability: Regulatory ( Nationwide) (2023-2024)
Product Liability & Mass Torts (Nationwide) (2008-2023)
The Legal 500 U.S.
Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action: Consumer Products (including tobacco) (2018–2019, 2021–2023)
Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Toxic Tort (2011–2012, 2014–2017)
Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices (2007)
BTI Client Service All-Star
Received in recognition of direct, independent feedback from corporate counsel (2010)

Credentials

Education

  • J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 1985
  • B.A., Middlebury College, 1982

Admissions

  • District of Columbia

Government & Military Service

  • General Counsel, US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Clerkships

  • United States Court of International Trade, The Honorable Jane A. Restani
Overview