Neal Cohen Worked Inside the CPSC. Now He Helps Companies Protect Their Customers and Brand.
Neal Cohen helps manufacturers, importers, and consumer brands of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies, along with Amazon and other marketplace sellers. Neal advocates for companies using science and data to respond to CPSC investigations and requests for product recalls, and to address potential Section 15(b) reporting obligations. Neal helps companies design and launch innovative new products while building in safety and security. Neal’s practice covers the full suite of product safety and compliance issues for companies across the globe.
WHY COMPANIES FACING CPSC INVESTIGATIONS HIRE NEAL COHEN
Neal Cohen served at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2010 to 2016 as the agency’s Small Business Ombudsman and as Chief Counsel to the Director of the Office of Compliance. He created the CPSC’s Regulatory Robot compliance tool, testified before the U.S. Senate during the largest investigation in agency history, and received the prestigious CPSC Chairman’s Award. He now uses that insider knowledge to help companies who are under investigation by the CPSC. When an investigation letter, notice of violation, or request for information arrives, the clock starts immediately, and Neal knows exactly how the agency will view your situation.
Companies also hire Neal to help prevent product safety issues before they happen. This includes review for new product launches, state product safety law, ongoing counseling questions regarding regulations and “gray areas” of the law, escalated customer issues, and, where necessary, helping companies navigate a product recall that a company acknowledges is necessary to help protect consumers.
Neal once drafted and reviewed agency investigatory letters from the inside. Now he sits on your side of the table, helping to prepare your company’s response to the CPSC.
Neal helps to resolve and seek the release of products detained at port due to alleged recordkeeping or compliance issues. Neal engages in direct communication with the CPSC Office of Import Surveillance.
Neal works both sides of the problem: the agency complaint and the Amazon reinstatement.
As Ombudsman, Neal taught thousands of small businesses CPSIA compliance. He knows where companies get tripped up and how to guide you through the regulatory maze.
Neal tracks emerging chemical and battery rules before enforcement begins.
Neal negotiated recalls from the government side. He knows what the agency will accept. When a recall is necessary, Neal helps companies execute.
NEAL'S JOURNEY INSIDE THE CPSC
Enforcement Attorney (2010)
Neal joined the CPSC as an enforcement attorney and worked on the imported drywall investigation, the largest in agency history.
Office of Compliance (2011)
As Chief Counsel to the Director of the Office of Compliance, Neal worked directly with companies on federal product safety requirements.
Small Business Ombudsman (2011)
As the CPSC's Small Business Ombudsman, Neal helped businesses understand and comply with federal product safety regulations.
Senate Testimony (2011)
Neal testified before the U.S. Senate regarding the agency's drywall investigation and scientific findings.
Regulatory Robot (2016)
Neal created the CPSC's Regulatory Robot, the agency's compliance tool still used by manufacturers today.
Today
Neal now assists major manufacturers, importers, start-ups, entrepreneurs, consumer brands, and marketplace sellers facing CPSC investigations, recalls, and compliance issues.
The earlier a former CPSC insider reviews your situation, the more options you typically have.
Writing and Speaking on CPSC and Product Safety
- Plenary Panelist, ICPHSO Annual Meeting & Training Symposium (2026) : "Discussion and Analysis of Regulatory Environment"
- Speaker, ICPHSO Annual Meeting & Training Symposium (annually, 2011-2026)
- Speaker, ICPHSO International Symposium, London (2025) and Brussels (2018)
- Presenter, Canadian Apparel Federation: "An Overview of US Product Safety Regulations for Canadian Exporters" (2025)
- Speaker, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) (2014-2024)
- Speaker, Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA)
- Instructor, Saint Louis University Chaifetz School of Business, Advanced Product Safety Management Certificate Course (2016-2018)
Neal Cohen’s Credentials and Bar Admissions
Neal earned his J.D. with honors from Emory University School of Law and graduated with distinction from Swarthmore College. He is admitted to practice in the State of New York. Before founding Neal Cohen Law, Neal served in multiple senior roles at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, including as the agency's first Small Business Ombudsman, Senior Legal Advisor in the Office of Compliance, and enforcement attorney in the Office of General Counsel. He is a recipient of the CPSC Chairman's Award and serves on the ASTM International F15 Executive Committee.
PRODUCT SAFETY LEADERSHIP
ASTM F15 Executive Committee
Neal serves on the Executive Committee of ASTM International’s Committee F15 on Consumer Products as Vice Chair for Research Liaison.
ICPHSO Speaker & Mentor
A frequent speaker and mentor through the International Consumer Product Health and Safety Organization (ICPHSO).
Teaching & Writing
Neal teaches in the Society of Product Safety Professionals Consumer Product Safety Professional Certification Program, now hosted at Virginia Tech and previously hosted at Saint Louis University. Neal writes regularly on CPSC enforcement, recalls, and product safety compliance.
Get a former CPSC insider's perspective on your situation and a strategy to protect your business.