Benjamin Peter Abel

Much of Ben’s practice is devoted to advising and defending food and beverage clients in food-related litigation, especially labeling claims. He advises manufacturers, distributors and retailers on matters related to Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Tax and Trade Bureau compliance. In this capacity, Ben has defended manufacturers and retailers in a series of lawsuits concerning the labeling of vanilla-flavored products, as well as suits involving many other labeling and marketing claims.

Ben serves as a frequent voice in the media, having been quoted on food and beverage litigation topics in the Sacramento Business Journal, “Harvest Public Media” on Kansas City public radio, and pharma publication HBW Insight. He speaks on food and beverage litigation topics at industry conferences, and his articles have appeared in Food Dive, QSR and Food Manufacturing.

Ben also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to pro bono efforts and the Volunteer Lawyer Project.

During law school, Ben externed with the Hon. David J. Novak of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia and interned with the Hon. Karen J. Burrell of the Norfolk Circuit Court. Prior to law school, Ben taught middle school for two years in Phoenix, Arizona.

Personal Interests

Outside the office, Ben enjoys watching college football, distance running, golfing and spending time with his golden retriever.

*Admitted only in Virginia; supervision by principals of the firm admitted to the D.C. bar.