×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

Keller and Heckman LLPPartner
Frederick A. Stearns
Pro

Frederick A. Stearns

4.4
1 review

1001 G Street NW, Suite 500 West, Washington, DC 20001

Alternative Proteins, Advertising and Promotion, Animal and Veterinary Food and Drug and 15 more

About Frederick A. Stearns

Frederick (Rick) Stearns provides his clients with experience on a wide range of issues affecting makers of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements, cosmetics, food, and food ingredients. He is also deeply involved with the regulatory issues surrounding cannabis and hemp-based products, including cannabidiol (CBD) and related cannabinoids.

Rick helps manufacturers evaluate the need for marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pursue appropriate clearance where necessary and address regulatory compliance issues with a range of marketed products. He also works with clients in responding to FDA enforcement activities, such as inspections, warning letters, and import detentions, and advises on the interaction between patent laws and the FDA drug approval process.

Rick communicates effectively with agency officials and develops innovative strategies to deal with evolving FDA regulatory requirements. He also advises clients on the complex federal and state issues surrounding the potential use of CBD and other cannabinoids in consumer products. Rick also works with companies to conduct FDA due diligence reviews for internal controls and external acquisitions.

Rick is a sought-after lecturer and speaks frequently at conferences regarding the regulation of drugs, medical devices, food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and CBD-containing products, including Keller and Heckman's annual Practical Food Law Seminar.

Rick joined Keller and Heckman upon receiving his law degree. Prior to law school, he worked for a scientific consulting firm in Washington, DC, where he applied his engineering background to regulatory issues, thus introducing him to a career in food and drug law.

Awards

•Chambers USA: Food and Beverages: Regulatory & Litigation - Nationwide, 2025
•The Best Lawyers in America: Cannabis Law, 2023 - 2026
•The Best Lawyers in America: FDA Law, 2025 - 2026

Insights & In the News

Food & Chemicals Unpacked: Making-Up for Lost Time: FDA’s Increased Oversight of Cosmetics

02.25.2025
Podcast

FDA Issues Final Guidance Document on MoCRA Requirements for Cosmetic Facility Registrati...

12.19.2023
Publication

FDA Issues Draft Guidance Document on MoCRA Requirements for Cosmetic Facility Registrati...

08.08.2023
Publication

Frederick Stearns Interviewed for Nutraceuticals World Article on the Evolving Regulatory...

In The News
03.09.2026

 

Frederick A. Stearns (Washington, District of Columbia) View website

Awards

Distinguished Peer Rated
This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer BV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Frederick A. Stearns got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Frederick A.

This lawyer does not have any client reviews on Lawyers.com yet

Write a Review

Services

Areas of Law

  • Technology and Science 1
    • Biotechnology
  • Other 17
    • Alternative Proteins
    • Advertising and Promotion
    • Animal and Veterinary Food and Drug
    • Cannabis, Hemp, and Cannabinoids (CBD)
    • Cosmetics
    • Dietary Supplements
    • Food and Drug
    • Food and Food Ingredients
    • Medical Devices
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Chemicals and Plastics
    • Consumer Products and Retail
    • Digital Media, Technology, and Telecommunications
    • Food & Life Sciences
    • Packaging
    • Tobacco and E-Vapor
    • Trade Associations

Practice Details

  • Firm Information
    Position
    Partner
    Firm Name
    Keller and Heckman LLP
  • Representative Cases & Transactions
    Cases
    Representative Matters: Worked with companies to develop acceptable formulations
    labeling for OTC drug products in various categories, including topical antiseptics (h
    sanitizers), antiacne, cough/cold remedies, sunscreens, external
    internal analgesics (pain relievers), antid
    ruff shampoos,
    oral healthcare products (fluoride
    antiplaque/antigingivitis)
    Assessed the regulatory status of ingredients for dietary supplements
    evaluated claims for such products
    successfully defended a dietary ingredient supplier in a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation of claims for the ingredient
    Helped food ingredient suppliers reach Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) conclusions for new food ingredients or exp
    ed uses of existing ingredients
    Advised cosmetic ingredient
    finished cosmetic producers on safety substantiation
    claims issues to ensure the appropriate marketing of the products
    Counseled medical device raw material
    component suppliers on risk management strategies to limit potential liability, including protections available under the Biomaterials Access Assurance Act of 1998
    Helped clients respond to FDA warning letters following manufacturing inspections or FDA assessments of product claims

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1993, Virginia
    1995, District of Columbia
    Memberships

    Memberships

    •Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI), 2025 Cannabis-Derived Products Committee and Cosmetics Task Force

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    George Washington University Law School
    Class of 1993
    J.D.
    with honors
    Other Education
    Cornell University
    Class of 1988
    B.S.

Activity

Legal Community Contributions

Email Frederick A. Stearns

Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:
Return to Profile Reset Form

Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Frederick A. Stearns was admitted in 1993 to the State of Virginia.
  • Is this attorney admitted to the bar in more than one state?
    Yes, Frederick A. Stearns is admitted to practice in District of Columbia and Virginia.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Frederick A. Stearns has a 4.4 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Frederick A. Stearns attended George Washington University Law School.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Keller and Heckman LLP was established in 1962.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

These FAQs include information about a lawyer's background, but do not evaluate their knowledge of the law, past performance on individual cases, personality, or communication skills.

It is solely the responsibility of lawyers and law firms to ensure that any information they provide complies with all applicable laws and rules of professional conduct.

You should be aware that the information we rely upon may not be comprehensive, or frequently updated.

Always research the lawyer further to get a better understanding of their license credentials, disciplinary status, background, and experience.

Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

• Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

• Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions