John C. Celeste

John Celeste represents consumer product manufacturers, importers and retailers before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

John counsels companies of all sizes in connection with corrective action plans (recalls), civil penalties and reports, as well as investigations under the Consumer Product Safety Act. John also helps clients determine whether, and how, to notify the CPSC about potential product safety issues.

John assists with responses to consumer reports submitted to the CPSC, including through the CPSC’s Safer Products database and to Health Canada; CPSC Freedom of Information Act request notices; and with tracking incidents and litigation involving his clients’ products to ensure compliance with mandatory reporting obligations. John advises clients in the areas of product safety and risk management, including  drafting CPSC-required compliance programs.   

John’s practice also involves representing policyholders (including a number of large publicly traded and privately held companies) in insurance coverage and/or insurance-related disputes arising out of a variety of insurance policies. He has conducted forensic insurance coverage investigations to locate coverage under policies issued many years ago. John also regularly advises clients regarding risk management issues, including the procurement and maintenance of insurance assets.

John has experience defending manufacturers in a variety of litigation matters. He has represented manufacturers in products liability and mass tort litigation involving multiple parties and multiple claims, including allegations of occupational exposures to asbestos, silica and other allegedly hazardous substances. John’s representation of these clients frequently involves reconstructing and analyzing complex corporate histories, and the consequent liabilities, which often date back to the 19th century.