Lawrence Culleen represents clients on administrative, regulatory, and enforcement matters involving federal agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Lawrence has broad experience advising clients on U.S. and international regulatory programs that govern commercial and consumer use chemicals, pesticides and antimicrobials, as well as the products of biotechnology and nanoscale materials.
Prior to joining the firm, Lawrence held significant positions at EPA serving as a manager in various risk-management positions in programs which oversee chemical substances, biotechnology products, antimicrobials, and pesticides.
During his tenure in the federal government, Lawrence served as its representative on core EPA programs to a variety of interest groups, trade associations, and government bodies, both foreign and domestic, including international cooperative organizations.
Focus Areas
- Emerging chemical contaminants; PFAS
- Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
- Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
- "Right-to-Know" legislation (e.g., Proposition 65, EPCRA 313)
- International Environmental/Chemical/Consumer Product Standards (e.g., REACH, GHS)
- Consumer Products and Devices
Experience
- Provides day-to-day counsel to leading manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad of chemical substances and formulations used in commercial applications including manufacturing of semiconductors and devices, antimicrobials, pesticides, household care product. Provides guidance on labeling, testing, licensing, advertising, and adverse effects reporting pursuant to TSCA , FIFRA, CPSA, and Directives in the EU.
- Advises clients concerning current and potential future standards concerning emerging contaminants, PFAS, and the development of new chemical substances, novel devices, and genetically modified and nano-scale materials subject to various federal and state laws.
- Negotiates TSCA and FIFRA settlements and compliance agreements with EPA for chemical and consumer products companies, and provides representation during general inquiries and enforcement proceedings.
- Provides counsel in preparing comments during chemical regulatory development processes and data collection efforts.
- Assists multinational clients in establishing global systems to identify, understand, and comply with international and U.S. requirements concerning pesticides, and maximum residue levels for crops harvested and sold for consumer use worldwide.
- Represents a variety of specialty chemical manufacturers in negotiations with EPA concerning new chemical reviews and consent orders addressing the production and use of new chemicals, including innovative new technologies employed in high-tech sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, biotechnology and nano-scale materials.
Perspectives
Recognition
Credentials
- J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 1982
- B.A., George Washington University, 1979
- District of Columbia
- Maryland
- Chief of Staff to the Assistant Administrator, U.S. EPA
- Acting Director, Registration Division in the Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. EPA
- Chief, New Chemicals Branch, U.S. EPA
- Director, Asbestos-In-Schools Loan and Grant Program, U.S. EPA
- Vice-Chairperson, American Bar Association Committee on Pesticides, Chemical Regulation, and Right-to-Know; former Chairperson
- Former Adjunct Professor of Environmental Law, The George Washington University National Law Center
- Former Board of Directors and Executive Committee Member several community-based non-profit organizations