12/01/10

Steptoe Further Strengthens Brussels Office - Election of Darren Abrahams to Partnership

About Darren Abrahams

Mr. Abrahams is an English barrister. His practice is focused on EU regulatory requirements and related commercial issues in the environment and life sciences area. Chambers & Partners Europe identifies him as one of the "leading individuals" in EU environmental regulation. The PLC Which Lawyer? Yearbook consistently recommends Mr. Abrahams in EU Life Sciences and Legal 500 Europe, Middle East & Africa recognizes his "comprehensive understanding" and "detailed expert knowledge" of EU environmental regulation. He joined the firm’s Brussels office in 2004 as part of a team of lawyers experienced in EU regulatory law, competition, and trade. Mr. Abrahams received his L.L.M. and LL.B. from University College London.

Clients and Activities

He represents leading companies and associations in sectors including agricultural biotechnology, chemicals (biocides, cosmetics, pesticides, and REACH), electronics, food and feed, metals, and mining.

Mr. Abrahams provides advice and representation to enable clients to gain authorization of their products for the EU market. He counsels on the environmental aspects of international transactions and structures regulatory compliance programs. An important part of his practice is helping clients to shape their legislative and policy initiatives, representing them before EU institutions, EU Member States, and in the European Court of Justice.

Steptoe’s Expansion

Mr. Abraham’s new leadership role is part of the ongoing expansion of the firm’s Brussels office. In 2009, it welcomed Dr. Anna Gergely as Director of EHS Regulatory and Principal Scientist. Her practice is complementary to his own, with its focus on REACH, food contact, and nanotechnology.

"We are pleased to underline our presence in Brussels with Darren’s promotion following on from Anna’s successful integration into our EU team," said Roger Warin, Chairman, Steptoe & Johnson LLP. "The Brussels office provides deep regulatory experience and these two professionals further enhance the firm’s ability to serve our clients’ needs."

About Steptoe

Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous representation of clients before governmental agencies, successful advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has some 500 lawyers in offices in Washington, New York, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Century City, London, and Brussels. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.

dotted_texture