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Crowell & Moring Strengthens California Litigation Group

In an exciting development for both Crowell & Moring and their clients, the firm has announced the addition of two seasoned in-house counsels from Amazon to its Litigation Group. This strategic move is set to elevate their capabilities to assist clients with complex consumer product liability issues, particularly on the West Coast. The newly recruited counsels are Clay Marquez, a former Senior Corporate Counsel for WW Stores at Amazon, and Meghan McMeel, who previously held the position of Senior Corporate Counsel for Devices.

Both Marquez and McMeel bring with them a wealth of experience, not only from their time at Amazon but also from their backgrounds in private practice. Their diverse expertise will enable Crowell & Moring to devise innovative legal strategies tailored to meet the rigorous demands of today’s regulatory landscape, thereby helping clients navigate the multifaceted challenges of product safety and compliance.

Expanding Expertise for Comprehensive Support

McMeel's extensive experience encompasses advising several global business lines at Amazon, where she was instrumental in managing safety and compliance matters. She oversaw product lines including Lab126, Ring, Blink, and eero. Her role involved providing essential guidance on reporting obligations to various regulatory bodies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, her leadership of a team focused on medical device regulations underlines her vast regulatory knowledge and commitment to compliance excellence.

In contrast, Marquez's career at Amazon saw him lead the Regulatory Intelligence Safety Compliance legal team for North America. He developed and implemented Amazon’s regulatory strategies concerning consumer product safety while liaising effectively with state and federal regulators. Before his tenure at Amazon, Marquez held significant legal roles, including Vice President and Senior Counsel at Restoration Hardware (RH), where he crafted comprehensive strategies for the company’s product safety standards, facilitating international expansion efforts.

A Distinguished Market Advantage

The addition of these two legal professionals is expected to significantly enhance Crowell & Moring’s consumer products practice. Cheryl Falvey, a partner in the firm's Litigation and Privacy & Cybersecurity groups, expressed confidence that Marquez and McMeel's unique experiences will distinctly benefit the firm’s clientele. Their connection to the world's largest retailer enables them to approach legal challenges with insights that are unmatched in the market.

Falvey stated, “Their firsthand experience at Amazon, paired with their strong track records in legal counsel, is a significant market differentiator. This expansion allows us to better serve clients on the West Coast who face evolving regulations.”

McMeel echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement of providing clients with a robust, one-stop solution for all regulatory compliance needs. “At Crowell, we are committed to exceptional client service and addressing sensitive product safety issues with a comprehensive approach,” she remarked.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Both Marquez and McMeel are highly educated and engaged in their professions. Marquez earned his law degree from Fordham University School of Law, where he also completed a master’s in education at the University of New Mexico. Meanwhile, McMeel holds her law degree from DePaul University College of Law and has even contributed as an educator herself, teaching pretrial civil litigation at the University of California College of the Law.

Crowell & Moring: A Commitment to Innovation and Service

Founded with a mission to assist clients navigating complex legal challenges, Crowell & Moring impressively combines its extensive government, business, and legal expertise to provide creative solutions. The firm has continuously been recognized for its dedication to pro bono work and developing programs that foster the growth of its members in a supportive community.

With the infusion of Marquez and McMeel, Crowell & Moring is poised to enhance its California Litigation Group significantly, equipping it to meet the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of consumer product safety and compliance effectively.