Atty. David R. Joy
David Joy counsels clients in a broad range of food and drug regulatory matters. He has extensive experience in pharmaceutical regulation and in the regulation of food additives, ingredients, and food labeling, including nutrition labeling and health claims, medical devices, and drug/device combination products.
Profile Summary
About David R. Joy at a glance
David R. Joy is a Partner based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Keller and Heckman LLP. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on health care, entertainment, cannabis, and international. Admitted to practice in Maryland (1992) and District of Columbia (1994). Educated at George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1992) and University of Maryland (B.S. Chemistry, 1986). Active member of Memberships •Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI), 2025 Advertising and Promotion Conference Planning Committee •FDA Alumni Association. Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- David Joy counsels clients in a broad range of food and drug regulatory matters
- He has extensive experience in pharmaceutical regulation and in the regulation of food additives, ingredients, and food labeling, including nutrition labeling and health claims, medical devices, and drug/device combination products
- He began his career on Keller and Heckman’s scientific staff, then worked as a law clerk, Associate, and Partner with the firm before taking a position with the U.S
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008
- David has a deep understanding of the inner workings of FDA, which stems from working for almost 15 years in the Office of Regulatory Policy (ORP) in FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, serving as Director of ORP’s Division of Regulatory Policy IV for six years
- At FDA, David was involved in a wide variety of regulatory policy matters, including drug approvals and withdrawals of approval, accelerated approval and other expedited programs, drug establishment registration and listing, inactive ingredient review and labeling, drug advertising and promotion, FDA’s post-approval drug safety authorities, the regulation of drug/device combination products, and the drug/device jurisdictional boundary
- In 2014, David served as a senior policy analyst in FDA’s Europe office during a 3-month detail and participated in discussions with the European Medicines Agency on the Mutual Reliance Initiative
- In 2023, David re-joined Keller and Heckman, where he advises clients on food additives, dietary supplements, drugs, and medical devices, including premarket clearance requirements and advertising and labeling provisions applicable to these products
- Additionally, he helps clients navigate the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) determination process and provides advice on the regulation of antimicrobials used in food and non-food applications
- In addition to FDA issues, David assists clients with matters related to the U.S
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the U.S
- Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the U.S
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- David’s extensive knowledge of law and science, combined with his understanding of agency dynamics, allows him to thoroughly assist clients with their regulatory needs
- Awards •Commissioner’s Award of Excellence, Member of Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization Work Group •Commissioner’s Special Citation, Member of the Opioids SUPPORT Act Team •FDA Group Recognition Award, Member of the Expedited Program for Serious Conditions Draft Guidance Working Group •CDER Team Excellence Award, Gluten in Drug Products Working Group Insights & In the News A Quick Take on FDA’s New Draft Accelerated Approval Guidance for Drug Products 12.16.2024 Publication FDA Issues Revised Guidance on the Control of Nitrosamine Impurities in Human Drugs 09.24.2024 Publication FDA Issues Final Rule Overhauling Regulation of Medical Gases 06.20.2024 Publication Best Law Firms Features Keller and Heckman in 2026 Edition Press Release 11.06.2025
Practice Areas Explained
David R. Joy's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David R. Joy handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.
David R. Joy is one of 66,735 health care attorneys indexed nationally. Browse health care attorneys in District of Columbia →
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
David R. Joy is one of 45,946 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in District of Columbia →
Cannabis attorneys for business licensing, regulatory compliance, and marijuana-related legal matters.
David R. Joy is one of 3,138 cannabis attorneys indexed nationally. Browse cannabis attorneys in District of Columbia →
International law attorneys for cross-border transactions, trade, foreign investment, and treaties.
David R. Joy is one of 40,133 international attorneys indexed nationally. Browse international attorneys in District of Columbia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in District of Columbia
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.
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