Elise Paeffgen focuses her practice on compliance counseling and enforcement defense. On environmental regulatory matters, Elise represents domestic and international companies in the automotive, construction equipment, renewable fuel, oil and gas, consumer product, chemical, and pesticide (antimicrobial) industries. Elise works with manufacturers, importers, and forward and reverse distributors to effectively navigate EPA, FDA, and DEA regulations and minimize enforcement risks. She provides counsel to FDA-regulated clients, such as pharmaceutical, medical device, cosmetic, and food manufacturers, on issues ranging from current good manufacturing practices (CGMP) to the management of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals.
In addition to a J.D., magna cum laude, from Vermont Law School, Elise earned a master of environmental management from Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, with concentrations in climate change and corporate environmental management. During her joint degree program, Elise worked for the U.S. EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. Elise received a B.A. in environmental studies and politics from Oberlin College, and was awarded high honors.
Elise has been named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” each year since 2014. She has also been named to the 2017 Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll by the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center.