Atty. David J. Ettinger
David Ettinger counsels multinational companies on food (with a unique emphasis on alternative proteins including plant- and cell-based foods) and food packaging, as well as consumer and tobacco-related products. He assists clients in navigating the import and export of goods to ensure compliance with regulations in the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia.
Alternative Proteins & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC · 33+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About David J. Ettinger at a Glance
David J. Ettinger is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Keller and Heckman LLP. They have 33+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1993. Their practice focuses on consumer, environmental, health care, and international. Admitted to practice in New York (1993), Connecticut (1993), and District of Columbia (1999). Educated at Pace University School of Law (J.D. King, 1992) and State University of New York at Albany (B.A., 1989). Active member of Memberships •AmCham Shanghai: Food, Agriculture & Beverage Committee, Vice Chair •Mackrell International, Chair •District of Columbia Bar Association •European Chamber of Commerce. Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Get Legal Help from David J. Ettinger in Washington
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About David J. Ettinger
- David Ettinger counsels multinational companies on food (with a unique emphasis on alternative proteins including plant- and cell-based foods) and food packaging, as well as consumer and tobacco-related products
- He assists clients in navigating the import and export of goods to ensure compliance with regulations in the United States (U.S.), Europe, and Asia
- David counsels companies in China and throughout Asia on matters ranging from ingredient and labeling to product seizure and detention, to food and consumer product recalls and consumer complaints
- David is the chief representative in Keller and Heckman’s Shanghai, China office and previously worked in the firm’s Washington, DC and Brussels offices
- His global experience uniquely positions him to counsel foreign companies who need to navigate the regulatory landscape in Asia
- To further enhance his and Keller and Heckman’s global capabilities, David is the Chair of Mackrell International, a global legal network of over 90 international, independent law firms
- Mackrell International’s member base spans more than 60 countries, which provides Keller and Heckman clients with access to legal support in all major world markets
- In addition, David is past Chair and current Vice Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai’s (AmCham Shanghai) Food, Agriculture & Beverage Committee and serves as a moderator and presenter for many of its seminars and conferences
- David and his team in Shanghai publish China Regulatory Matters (CRM) and Asian Regulatory Matters (ARM), two e-newsletters that focus on regulatory updates in China and the rest of Asia
- He is frequently invited to speak on international regulatory matters regarding food, food-related products, and tobacco-related products
- Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, David was a trademark attorney with the U.S
- Patent and Trademark Office
- He has extensive trial experience as a former assistant district attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in New York, where he prosecuted felonies and misdemeanors
- His advocacy skills are frequently used to defend companies before various international regulatory bodies and to help implement crisis management strategies
- Awards •Chambers Greater China Region: Life Sciences (International Firms), 2017 - 2026 •The Best Lawyers in America: FDA Law, 2016 - 2024 Insights & In the News China Launches Campaign Against False and Misleading Online Food Sales 05.28.2026 Publication Singapore Implements Beverage Container Return Scheme 04.23.2026 Publication Singapore Publishes the List of Approved Novel Foods 04.13.2026 Publication Keller and Heckman Featured in RegWatch Briefs Series In The News 05.28.2026
Practice Areas Explained
David J. Ettinger's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David J. Ettinger handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.
Consumer Protection in Washington
Consumer protection attorneys for fraud, lemon law, debt harassment, and deceptive trade practices.
David J. Ettinger is one of 50,226 consumer attorneys indexed nationally. Browse consumer attorneys in District of Columbia →
Environmental Law in Washington
Environmental attorneys for regulatory compliance, contamination, land use, and natural resource law.
David J. Ettinger is one of 55,977 environmental attorneys indexed nationally. Browse environmental attorneys in District of Columbia →
Health Care Law in Washington
Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.
David J. Ettinger is one of 66,157 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care attorneys in District of Columbia →
International Law in Washington
International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.
David J. Ettinger is one of 39,787 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington
Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Washington Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Washington-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About David J. Ettinger
Where is David J. Ettinger's law office located?
What practice areas does David J. Ettinger handle?
How long has David J. Ettinger practiced law?
Where did David J. Ettinger go to law school?
How can I contact David J. Ettinger for a consultation?
Professional Profile
Why Clients in Washington Choose David J. Ettinger
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David J. Ettinger's practice in the field of consumer, environmental, health care, and international.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
David J. Ettinger brings 33+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in New York, Connecticut, and District of Columbia, David J. Ettinger can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering consumer, environmental, and health care, David J. Ettinger can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Washington
A Washington-based practice means David J. Ettinger attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Search Reference
How People Find David J. Ettinger Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like David J. Ettinger.
If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with David J. Ettinger directly.
David J. Ettinger's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
Client Reviews & Ratings — David J. Ettinger
No reviews yet.