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 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, health care, entertainment, cannabis, and animal law. Admitted to practice in Virginia (1993) and District of Columbia (1995). Educated at George Washington University Law School (J.D., 1993) and Cornell University (B.S., 1988). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Memberships •Food & Drug Law Institute (FDLI), 2025 Cannabis-Derived Products Committee and Cosmetics Task Force. Serands clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
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
- 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
- Awards •Chambers USA: Food and Beverages: Regulatory & Litigation - Nationwide, 2025 •The Best Lawyers in America: Cannabis Law, 2023 - 2026 •The Best Lawyers in America: FDA Law, 2025 - 2026 Insights & In the News Food & Chemicals Unpacked: Making-Up for Lost Time: FDA’s Increased Oversight of Cosmetics 02.25.2025 Podcast FDA Issues Final Guidance Document on MoCRA Requirements for Cosmetic Facility Registrati... 12.19.2023 Publication FDA Issues Draft Guidance Document on MoCRA Requirements for Cosmetic Facility Registrati... 08.08.2023 Publication Keller and Heckman Secures Important District Court Victory for Vitti Labs in FDA Tissue
- In The News 04.01.2026
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.
Consumer protection attorneys for fraud, lemon law, debt harassment, and deceptive trade practices.
Frederick A. Stearns is one of 50,607 consumer attorneys indexed nationally. Browse consumer attorneys in District of Columbia →
Health care attorneys for HIPAA, Medicare, Medicaid, regulatory compliance, and medical licensing matters.
Frederick A. Stearns 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.
Frederick A. Stearns 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.
Frederick A. Stearns is one of 3,138 cannabis attorneys indexed nationally. Browse cannabis attorneys in District of Columbia →
Animal law attorneys for pet custody, veterinary malpractice, animal welfare, and dangerous dog cases.
Frederick A. Stearns is one of 5,126 animal law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse animal law 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.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Frederick A. Stearns
Where is Frederick A. Stearns's law office located?
What practice areas does Frederick A. Stearns handle?
How long has Frederick A. Stearns practiced law?
Where did Frederick A. Stearns go to law school?
How can I contact Frederick A. Stearns for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Frederick A. Stearns received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.