Matthew R. Howsare, Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel to the Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission will join Mintz Washington, DC office as Of Counsel.  He will play a key role in expanding the firm’s well-established Consumer Product Safety practice.  Mr. Howsare will join the firm on May 29, 2013.

“Mintz has a growing and active consumer product safety practice having advocated successfully for scores of manufacturers, retailers, and importers and associations before the CPSC and Congress and played a key role in regulatory and policy issues,” said Chuck Samuels, head of the firm’s Consumer Product Safety practice.  “Matt has had a distinguished career as a leader and key policy maker with the CPSC during a period of heightened Commission activity and will make an outstanding addition to the firm as we expand our work globally.”

“From the moment of my confirmation and throughout my tenure as Chairman, Matt has been my most trusted counsel and confidant,” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.  “Matt has been steadfast in his commitment to helping me lead the agency and serve American consumers.  Children and families are safer today and businesses around the world have a clearer understanding of the safety rules they must follow, thanks to Matt’s tireless efforts.” 

While at the CPSC, Mr. Howsare served as the principal advisor to the Chairman, overseeing senior staff in the advancement of the agency’s key safety priorities and providing legal and policy counsel to the Chairman on all significant agency issues.  He supervised the execution of the CPSC’s regulatory agenda and the implementation of several legislative mandates including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, and Public Law 112-28.  Prior to being appointed Chief of Staff, Mr. Howsare served the Chairman as her Senior Counsel, assisting her in establishing a modern agenda and global vision for the agency at the commencement of her term.  

Earlier in his career, Mr. Howsare was with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP, where he practiced in the area of consumer product safety, as well as general, appellate, class action and products liability litigation.  Mr. Howsare received his Bachelor of Arts in Government, summa cum laude, from Wofford College where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.  He earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the University Of South Carolina School Of Law and was a member of the South Carolina Law Review.

Mintz Consumer Product Safety Practice is recognized for its capabilities and knowledge of laws and regulations, including those of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Customs and Border Protection, and requirements in Canada, Europe and Asia.