Charles A. Samuels
Member / Co-chair, Retail and Consumer Products
+1.202.434.7312
Chuck is an antitrust and regulatory lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting clients with consumer product safety and environmental regulations. He serves as general counsel to numerous trade associations. For the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted amendments to federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act. Corporations in many industries, local governments, and state agencies are also on his client roster. He represents clients before a wide array of federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, state agencies, and international regulatory organizations.
Chuck is engaged in a federal and international regulatory and legislative practice. He has been extensively involved in product safety, environmental, tax, health care, technology, and energy issues, and public finance legislative and regulatory matters for a variety of trade associations, corporations, local governments, and state agencies.
His practice encompasses work before the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Departments of State, Health and Human Services, Energy, and Treasury, US Trade Representative, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Trade Commission, the IRS, and other federal and state agencies. He also has extensive experience dealing with Canada, the European Commission, and international bodies.
Chuck also engages in trade association representation and antitrust counseling. As general counsel of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted the amendments to the Consumer Product Safety Act and the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act, and represents the appliance industry at international bodies dealing with safety, energy, ozone depletion, and global warming.
Before joining Mintz, Chuck practiced regulatory law with a law firm in Chicago and then worked in the Executive Office of the President before entering private practice in Washington.
Chuck is an antitrust and regulatory lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting clients with consumer product safety and environmental regulations. He serves as general counsel to numerous trade associations. For the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted amendments to federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act. Corporations in many industries, local governments, and state agencies are also on his client roster. He represents clients before a wide array of federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, state agencies, and international regulatory organizations.
Experience
- Filed an amicus brief in the Seventh Circuit on behalf of national trade associations in connection with an appeal from a lower court ruling certifying a national product liability class. Adopting arguments that we advanced on behalf of the amici, the Seventh Circuit reversed the lower court ruling and decertified the plaintiff class.
viewpoints
2024 Pre-Election Analysis: Consumer Product Safety
September 24, 2024 | Advisory | By Christian Tamotsu Fjeld, R. Neal Martin, Charles Samuels
Read about how the upcoming November elections could shape consumer product safety laws and regulations, depending on the outcome of the presidential race and whether one party takes control of Congress.
New Legislation Would Expand the Use of Municipal Bonds
May 15, 2024 | Alert | By R. Neal Martin, Charles Samuels, Matthew O. Page, Christie Martin, Meghan Burke, Poonam Patidar
Read about the Local Infrastructure Financing Tools (LIFT) Act, pending legislation that calls for policy changes and types of bonds that could be used by governments and nonprofits nationwide for a range of public infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
CPSC Adopts Final Rules for Button Cell and Coin Batteries with Sweeping Requirements
September 25, 2023 | Blog | By Charles Samuels, Evelyn French, Matthew Tikhonovsky
On September 11, 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted to adopt sweeping safety requirements, pursuant to Reese’s Law, for button cell and coin batteries and products containing these batteries or designed to contain them. In a direct final rule, the Commission adopted ASNI/UL 4200A-2023 as the mandatory safety standard for button cell and coin batteries, which includes extensive construction, performance, labeling, and certification requirements.
CPSC Final Rule for Button Cell and Coin Batteries is Imminent – But Packaging Requirement is Effective Now
August 28, 2023 | Blog | By Charles Samuels, Evelyn French, Matthew Tikhonovsky
FTC Invokes New and Expanded Powers to Propose Bar on Employee Non-Competes
January 9, 2023 | Alert | By Bruce Sokler, Joseph Miller , Charles Samuels, Evelyn French
Mintz Antitrust and Government Law attorneys examine an FTC proposed rule that would ban almost all non-compete provisions in employment relationships. They also discuss why employers should consider auditing non-compete policies and practices and exploring alternatives such as non-disclosure or customer non-solicitation agreements.
Fifth Circuit Finds Flaws in CPSC Rulemaking on Phthalate Limits Highlighting Another Rulemaking Misstep for the Agency
March 22, 2021 | Blog | By Charles Samuels, Evelyn French
Exercise Equipment Manufacturer, Cybex, Hit with $8 Million Civil Penalty for Late Reporting Demonstrates Aggressive CPSC Enforcement Posture
February 16, 2021 | Blog | By Charles Samuels
CPSC Sued Over Lack of Access to Consensus Standard Incorporated Into CPSC Regulation
May 26, 2020 | Blog | By Charles Samuels, Evelyn French, Evan Moore
News & Press
Retail & Consumer Products Co-chair Charles Samuels was quoted by The Bond Buyer in an article about the importance of the municipal bond industry being represented in the Treasury and federal government.
GOP Election Sweep Threatens Niche College Tax Break
November 27, 2024
Charles Samuels, Co-chair of the Retail and Consumer Products Practice, was interviewed by Bloomberg Television in a segment on how tax-free bonds are being used to upgrade college campuses at a cheaper rate, and how the election outcome could impact this municipal financing tool.
Bill Linking Tax-Exempt Munis to School Choice Shows Threats to Market from ‘Unrelated Agendas'
August 20, 2024
Member Charles Samuels was quoted by The Bond Buyer in an article about pending legislation that would limit the issuance of tax-exempt municipal bonds from states with “school choice laws.”
Amid political drama, muni lobby keeps eye on the prize
July 22, 2024
Retail and Consumer Products Co-chair Charles Samuels was quoted in a Bond Buyer article about the last minute deal that was struck to avoid a governmental shutdown and the reaction from the municipal market.
American Lawyer spoke to Retail and Consumer Products Co-chair Charles Samuels on the litigation surrounding the recall of Onewheel electric skateboards.
Muni Market Keeps Wary Eye On Likely Government Shutdown
September 28, 2023
Retail and Consumer Products Co-chair Charles Samuels spoke to The Bond Buyer on the impact a governmental shut down may have on the municipal market.
Advance Refunding Back In Play
March 28, 2023
The Bond Buyer quoted Member Charles Samuels on the House's introduction of the Investing in Our Communities bill, which would restore the provision that was eliminated by the Trump Administration.
SEC's ABS Proposal Could Spell Added Costs For Issuers
March 7, 2023
The Bond Buyer quoted Mintz Member Charles Samuels about the SEC's proposed reintroduction of an ABS rule that would stop individuals involved in securitization transactions from shorting the securitizations they create.
Mintz Member Charles Samuels, spoke to The Bond Buyer about the proposed roster for the House's Ways and Means committee.
House Speaker Turmoil Flashes Warning Lights For Muni Advocates
January 6, 2023
Mintz's Retail and Consumer Products Practice Co-Chair, Charles Samuels, spoke to The Bond Buyer about potential complications to the public finance agenda resulting from a crisis in Republican House Leadership.
Issuer Data Standards: A Natural Evolution Or A Dumbing Down?
December 13, 2022
Mintz's Retail and Consumer Products Practice Co-Chair, Charles Samuels, spoke to The Bond Buyer about what potential impact of the Financial Disclosure Transparency Act on the municipal market.
With House In flux, Public Finance Advocates Stay The Course
December 1, 2022
Mintz's Retail and Consumer Products Practice Co-Chair, Charles Samuels, was quoted in The Bond Buyer in an article covering what a divided Congress means for the municipal market.
Gridlock Can Be Good For The Muni Market
November 9, 2022
Mintz's Retail and Consumer Products Practice Co-Chair, Charles Samuels, was quoted in The Bond Buyer in an article covering what a divided congress and gridlock mean for the municipal market.
What's At Stake For The Muni Market In Midterm Elections?
September 19, 2022
Consumer Product Agency Picks Up Steam Under Biden
October 8, 2021
CPSC Commissioner Kaye To Leave Agency
August 27, 2021
Senate Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Expanding PABs
August 11, 2021
Peloton Tested a U.S. Safety Watchdog. It Wasn’t the First.
August 10, 2021
Higher Education Faces Infrastructure Uncertainty
July 28, 2021
New Life for Money Market Mutual Fund Fix
March 13, 2019
IRS Private Activity Rules Aim to Ease Public Approval Process
December 31, 2018
Threat to PABs over as Democrats take House
November 7, 2018
Costco Settlement Shows CPSC Still Imposing Big Penalties
October 19, 2018
Why issuers want to undo money market mutual fund rules
June 27, 2018
Win For Zen Magnets Still A Good Precedent For The CPSC
June 21, 2018
Britax, Zen Magnet Cases Could Hamper CPSC Recalls
May 30, 2018
MSRB FAQs Welcomed, But Raise Questions
April 19, 2018
Hatch retirement could help muni market in 2019
January 3, 2018
Tax bill will lead to radical transformation of muni market
December 18, 2017
Final tax bill gives muni market the gift of continued PABs
December 15, 2017
GOP under pressure on bond issue in tax bill
December 12, 2017
Muni groups, upset by House tax bill, pin hopes on Senate
November 17, 2017
Off the Pedestal
November 6, 2017
Muni market blindsided by bond provisions in House GOP tax plan
November 2, 2017
CPSC Acting Chief Buerkle Chosen for Chairmanship
July 25, 2017
Tax plan would eliminate most tax deductions, loopholes, leaving tax-exempt bond market worried
April 26, 2017
Trump Moves Swiftly to Influence Independent Agencies
March 17, 2017
CPSC Rule Process, Penalties May Change Under Buerkle
February 16, 2017
Consumer safety agency flexes its muscles but is likely to face pushback under Donald Trump
December 27, 2016
Understanding The CPSC's Big Win Against Spectrum Brands
December 16, 2016
CPSC Expected to Shift to Republicans in October
December 12, 2016
Muni Disclosure Responsibility Would Shift to Issuers From Underwriters in Draft Bill
December 7, 2016
CPSC's Rare 10th Circ. Loss Gives Boost To Magnet Industry
November 28, 2016
Trump's Tax, Infrastructure Plans Jeopardize Exemption for Munis
November 9, 2016
CPSC Majority Holds Firm on Civil Penalties
July 22, 2016
CPSC Head Says Companies Should Share Penalty Info
June 27, 2016
Inside the 'Messy Brew' of Product Safety Penalties
June 15, 2016
CPSC Civil Penalties: A Divide Along Party Lines
June 14, 2016
CPSC Budget Calls for Nanotech, Import Safety Investments
February 9, 2016
Mintz Forms Dedicated Product Risk Management & Response Practice
September 03, 2013
Events & Speaking
ICPHSO 2021 Annual Virtual Meeting and Training Symposium
International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization
Virtual Event
2014 Product Safety Management Certificate Course
2014 Product Safety Management Certificate Course at Saint Louis University's Center for Supply Chain Management Studies
St. Louis, MO
Chuck is an antitrust and regulatory lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting clients with consumer product safety and environmental regulations. He serves as general counsel to numerous trade associations. For the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted amendments to federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act. Corporations in many industries, local governments, and state agencies are also on his client roster. He represents clients before a wide array of federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, state agencies, and international regulatory organizations.
Chuck is an antitrust and regulatory lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting clients with consumer product safety and environmental regulations. He serves as general counsel to numerous trade associations. For the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted amendments to federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act. Corporations in many industries, local governments, and state agencies are also on his client roster. He represents clients before a wide array of federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, state agencies, and international regulatory organizations.
Recognition & Awards
JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards: Top Author in Product Liability (2020)
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Chuck is an antitrust and regulatory lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting clients with consumer product safety and environmental regulations. He serves as general counsel to numerous trade associations. For the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, Chuck negotiated and drafted amendments to federal laws, including the Consumer Product Safety Act. Corporations in many industries, local governments, and state agencies are also on his client roster. He represents clients before a wide array of federal agencies, including the Consumer Product Safety Commission, state agencies, and international regulatory organizations.
Involvement
- Member, District of Columbia Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association