Atty. 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.
Profile Summary
About Frederick A. Stearns at a glance
Frederick A. Stearns is a cannabis attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Keller and Heckman LLP. Admitted to practice in Virginia, Virginia State Bar and District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar. Educated at The George Washington University (J.D., 1993) and Cornell University (B.S.). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Cannabis Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — FDA Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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Über uns
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Frederick A. Stearns's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Frederick A. Stearns handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Cannabis attorneys for business licensing, regulatory compliance, and marijuana-related legal matters.
Frederick A. Stearns is one of 3,138 cannabis attorneys indexed nationally. Browse cannabis 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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