Keller and Heckman Gains Further Recognition in The Legal 500’s 2024 EMEA Guide
Keller and Heckman has, once again, been recognized in the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Guide, with continued rankings in the EU Regulatory: Food and EU Regulatory: Privacy and Data Protection categories, plus an inaugural ranking within the EU Regulatory: Chemicals category. These prominent rankings reflect the firm’s consistent growth in the EU market and commitment to supporting clients conducting business in the EU and internationally.
The firm’s Food and Drug team in the Brussels, Belgium, office, led by Partner Rachida Semail, provides representation and legal advice to food and food packaging clients on a comprehensive array of legal and regulatory issues, including those related to European market entry for new products and recycled products, as well as other matters related to the packaging waste reduction directive and EU efforts to create and sustain the circular economy. Ms. Semail and fellow Partners, Hazel O’Keeffe and Craig Simpson, are all mentioned in the Guide for their “deep and broad expertise in regulatory matters.”
As stated in the Guide, “Rachida Semail and her team offer a great service and response time to meet demands. The firm performs in-depth analyses, always seeking to find solutions to issues presented to it.” Hazel O’Keeffe is specifically named a “Next Generation Partner” for her recognized specialization in packaging and sustainability issues.
Peter Craddock, Partner in the Privacy, Data Security, and Digital Media practice, is also named a “Next Generation Partner” for being a “reference point in the sector” and for his ability to provide “sound advice on a wide range of topics, both on litigation matters and compliance efforts.” Mr. Craddock’s legal experience and distinctive background as a software developer serve him well in advising global clients on new and existing technologies, from artificial intelligence (AI) to novel user identification techniques, and in analyzing data protection laws and regulations with a fresh perspective. Clients commend his pragmatic approach to a rapidly changing industry by noting that “his pedagogy and ability to simplify has been crucial to boost communications with different types of stakeholders,” and that he is “pleasant to work with and always available.”
Keller and Heckman received an inaugural ranking in the EU Regulatory: Chemicals category through the steadfast work of Partners Ales Bartl and Herb Estreicher in both the Environmental and Chemical Control practices. Both practices are at the forefront of helping companies comply with global chemical and environmental laws and regulations, especially on matters related to Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). According to the Guide, the team has “unique knowledge on regulations related to chemicals and special applications” and they demonstrate strong levels of commitment to clients by “find[ing] solutions and invest[ing] time to understand the business situation.”
The Legal 500 analyzes the capabilities of law firms across the world by assessing the strengths of law firms in over 150 jurisdictions. The rankings highlight the practice areas of firms that are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. The Legal 500’s research is based on feedback from firm clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.
About Keller and Heckman
Keller and Heckman LLP represents a wide spectrum of companies and trade associations servicing a range of industries, including advertising, food and food additives, plastics, pesticides, privacy and data security, industrial and specialty chemicals, consumer products, drugs and medical devices, 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 around the globe, from offices in Washington DC, Brussels, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Boulder.