Swankin & Turner

For over five decades, the landscape of consumer rights, health regulations, and product safety has been a complex and often challenging terrain to navigate, particularly here in the heart of Washington, DC. When individuals, consumer groups, or even businesses find themselves in need of expert legal guidance in these specialized areas, a firm with a deep history of advocacy and a profound understanding of regulatory law becomes an indispensable asset. That's where Swankin & Turner, Attorneys at Law, have consistently stood as a pillar of legal expertise and consumer advocacy in the District of Columbia since their establishment in 1973.

Swankin & Turner is not your typical general practice law firm. They have carved out a distinctive niche, focusing intensely on areas of law that directly impact public health, safety, and consumer welfare. Their work often involves intricate regulatory matters, engaging with federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), among others. This specialization means that when you approach Swankin & Turner, you’re engaging with legal professionals who possess not just a theoretical understanding of these complex regulations, but a practical, battle-tested knowledge gained from years of direct involvement in shaping and enforcing them.

The firm has a storied history rooted in consumer protection, with its founding principals, David Swankin and James Turner, having played significant roles in the broader consumer movement, including connections to Ralph Nader's work. This legacy ensures that their approach is consistently driven by a commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair and safe practices across various industries. For anyone in DC, from individuals seeking to understand their rights to organizations advocating for systemic change, Swankin & Turner offers a powerful combination of legal acumen, historical perspective, and unwavering dedication to their specialized fields.

Conveniently located in a vibrant and accessible part of Washington, DC, the offices of Swankin & Turner can be found at 1601 18th St NW #4, Washington, DC 20009, USA. This address places them in the lively Dupont Circle neighborhood, an area well-known for its historic architecture, cultural institutions, and, importantly for locals, its excellent connectivity to the rest of the District.

For those relying on public transportation, the firm's location offers superb access. The Dupont Circle Metro Station, served by the Red Line, is just a short walk away, providing a direct link for commuters from various parts of the city. Numerous Metrobus routes also operate frequently along Connecticut Avenue and 18th Street, offering additional convenient options for reaching the office from different neighborhoods. This robust public transit access significantly minimizes the need for personal vehicles, reducing the stress of navigating DC traffic and searching for parking.

While street parking can be limited in popular downtown and neighborhood areas, there are several commercial parking garages available within a reasonable walking distance for those who prefer to drive. The firm’s location in Dupont Circle also offers the advantage of being close to various amenities, including dining options and other professional services, making it practical for clients to combine their legal appointments with other errands in the city. This central and well-connected location underscores Swankin & Turner's commitment to being readily available to the Washington, DC community they serve.

Swankin & Turner specializes in a unique and vital set of legal areas, primarily focusing on regulatory and policy matters that impact consumers, health, and industry standards. Their services are crucial for individuals, consumer groups, and businesses navigating complex governmental regulations. Here’s an overview of the key services they provide:

• Regulation Law: The firm has extensive experience in the field of regulation, specifically dealing with various federal agencies. This includes:
  • Food and Drug Law: Representing clients in matters concerning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including issues related to product approvals, labeling, safety, and compliance for food, drugs, and dietary supplements. Their work in this area has significantly influenced consumer choice and access to certain health products.
  • Health Care Regulation: Advising and representing clients on various aspects of health care policy and regulation, including issues related to medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and health professional standards.
  • Standard Setting: Engaging with the processes by which industry and governmental standards are set for various products and services, ensuring consumer interests are represented.
• Policy Law: Swankin & Turner is also deeply involved in policy matters, offering legal insight and advocacy in areas such as:
  • Agricultural Policy: Addressing legal and policy issues related to food production, safety, and labeling, including advocacy for organic standards.
  • Insurance Policy: Providing counsel on insurance regulatory matters, which can impact consumer rights and coverage.
  • Corporate Policy: Advising on corporate responsibility and compliance, particularly where it intersects with consumer protection and public interest.
  • Tax Policy: Addressing tax-related issues within the broader context of regulatory and consumer advocacy.
  • Administrative Law: Representing clients in proceedings before various administrative agencies, ensuring due process and fair application of regulations.
  • Consumer Policy: At their core, they are consumer advocates, working on a broad range of issues to protect consumer rights and safety, from product safety to fair advertising.
• Litigation and Advocacy: While specific details on general litigation are not broadly advertised for individuals, their work often involves:
  • Representing individual consumers and consumer groups in regulatory matters and disputes.
  • Appearing before major consumer regulatory agencies (FDA, EPA, CPSC, FTC, USDA, NIH).
  • Providing special counsel to consumer organizations, advocating for legislative and regulatory changes.
• Business Representation: They also serve national and local business corporations and small businesses on regulatory compliance and policy issues, helping them navigate the complex landscape of consumer-related laws.

Swankin & Turner stands out in the Washington, DC legal scene due to its long-standing history, specialized focus, and the impactful contributions of its founders. Here are some key features and highlights that underscore their unique position and expertise:

• Decades of Experience in DC (Since 1973): Established in 1973, Swankin & Turner brings over five decades of continuous legal practice in Washington, DC. This longevity signifies deep roots in the city's legal and regulatory environment and an unparalleled understanding of its complexities.
• Pioneers in Consumer Advocacy: The firm's founders, David Swankin and James Turner, were instrumental figures in the consumer protection movement. James Turner, for instance, was one of the original "Nader's Raiders" and authored "The Chemical Feast," a seminal critique of the FDA. David Swankin served as the first Executive Director of the White House Office of Consumer Affairs. This historical legacy means the firm operates with a profound commitment to public interest and consumer rights.
• Highly Specialized Regulatory Expertise: Unlike general practice firms, Swankin & Turner focuses intensely on regulatory and administrative law. They possess expert knowledge in specific areas such as food and drug law, health care regulation, product safety, and various aspects of consumer policy. This specialization ensures clients receive highly focused and knowledgeable counsel in intricate legal fields.
• Engagement with Major Federal Agencies: The firm has a track record of appearing before and influencing major consumer regulatory agencies, including the FDA, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This direct engagement provides them with unique insights and leverage.
• Influence on Legislation and Policy: Beyond litigation, Swankin & Turner has played a significant role in shaping legislation and policy. James Turner was instrumental in the passage of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA) and the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. Their work extends beyond individual cases to effect broader systemic change.
• Diverse Client Base: While known for consumer advocacy, the firm serves a broad variety of individual and organizational clients, including national and local business corporations, small businesses, and nonprofit associations. This demonstrates their versatility in applying regulatory expertise across different client types.
• Members of the DC Bar: All attorneys with the firm are members of the District of Columbia bar, ensuring they are fully qualified and deeply familiar with local legal practices and requirements.

As a highly specialized and long-established law firm, Swankin & Turner operates within the professional services sector, where direct "promotions" or "special offers" in the retail sense are generally not standard practice. Their value proposition is built upon their extensive experience, deep expertise in complex regulatory law, and their historical commitment to consumer advocacy. The firm's fees are typically commensurate with the highly specialized nature of the legal work involved and the extensive knowledge required to navigate intricate regulatory landscapes.

However, what can be considered a "special offer" from a firm like Swankin & Turner is the invaluable initial consultation. During such a meeting, prospective clients in the District of Columbia can discuss their specific regulatory or policy concerns, gain an understanding of the firm's approach, and learn about the potential strategies and costs involved. This transparent initial discussion allows clients to assess if the firm's specialized expertise aligns with their needs before making a significant commitment. Their decades of experience and unique focus on consumer-centric regulatory law can be seen as an ongoing benefit, providing a highly specialized and effective service for those facing complex legal challenges in their niche areas.

To connect with Swankin & Turner and discuss your legal needs related to regulatory, consumer, or health policy matters, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 1601 18th St NW #4, Washington, DC 20009, USA
• Phone: (202) 462-8800
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-462-8800

You can reach their office during business hours to schedule a consultation. Their team is prepared to provide expert guidance on the intricate legal challenges within their specialized areas.

For residents, consumer organizations, and even businesses within the District of Columbia, Swankin & Turner stands out as an exceptionally suitable legal resource, particularly when dealing with the complex and ever-evolving realms of consumer protection, health regulations, and administrative law. Their suitability for locals is rooted in several critical aspects that resonate strongly with the unique needs of the DC community.

Firstly, their deep and long-standing local presence since 1973 means they are not just operating in DC, but are truly of DC. This extensive history provides them with an unparalleled understanding of the District's specific legal and regulatory environment, its agencies, and the intricacies of its policy-making processes. This local knowledge is invaluable when navigating federal regulations that often have a direct impact on local businesses and consumers.

Secondly, their highly specialized focus is a significant advantage. In a city brimming with law firms, Swankin & Turner's dedication to niche areas like food and drug law, health care regulation, and product safety sets them apart. For DC residents or groups concerned about product safety, dietary supplements, health-related claims, or governmental regulatory actions, this firm offers an depth of expertise that general practice firms simply cannot match. Their history of advocacy and influence in these areas means they understand the nuances and potential avenues for action, whether through litigation or policy reform.

Furthermore, the firm's legacy of consumer advocacy, stemming from its founders' involvement in the broader consumer movement, ensures that their approach is consistently aligned with protecting public interests. This ethos is particularly appealing to DC locals who value ethical representation and a firm that actively works towards positive societal impact. Whether it’s challenging misleading claims, advocating for safer products, or ensuring fair regulatory practices, Swankin & Turner has demonstrated a commitment to being a voice for the consumer.

Finally, their accessible location in the Dupont Circle neighborhood makes it convenient for DC residents to reach their offices via public transportation. This practical accessibility, combined with their profound expertise and commitment to public service, makes Swankin & Turner an ideal and trusted choice for anyone in the District of Columbia facing legal challenges in their specialized areas of practice.