Meet Adam Schlosser, the Director of the Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Below, he discusses his international regulatory work, career in administrative law, and critical issues facing the profession.
1. Could you please describe your current role?
I am the Director of the Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation (GRC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is the largest business association in the United States with approximately three million members. Ninety-six percent of our members are small businesses. We cover all sectors and industries.
The GRC seeks to align trade, regulatory, and competition policy in support of open and competitive markets. This includes promoting good regulatory practices and efficient regulatory results with governments around the world. We also encourage U.S. businesses to work with the international community.
For example, I currently work on the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC). The RCC examines regulations and seeks to find compatibility and duplication amongst both countries’ requirements and promote solutions that are good for businesses. Similarly, I work on issues related to the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership to encourage regulatory cooperation that supports economic growth and job creation.
I also work extensively on issues related to cross-border data flows and data privacy, which has been occupying a great deal of my time lately.
2. What experiences with administrative or regulatory law have you had?
I work extensively with many foreign governments on regulatory issues and through that lens I have gotten to experience the administrative law process and regulatory systems of many different governments, particularly the European Union.
I previously served as an International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service. While there, I worked with various foreign governments on regulatory issues that impacted U.S. exports. During my time with FAS I also got to conduct face to face negotiations with foreign officials to work through any trade issues. Prior to that, I worked at the General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy writing regulations.
3. How did you become interested in practicing administrative law?
I first became interested in administrative law because it serves as a foundation for any subject. It is such a broadly applicable topic. If you know the process of how things work, you can work effectively on any legal issue.
4. Do you have any advice for aspiring or seasoned administrative lawyers?
I would say don’t be afraid to take chances. When considering a job opportunity, don’t just look at the organization, but also consider the possibility for growth and increased responsibility. For example, if it’s a new project, this may give you an opportunity to help shape the direction of the program. I also recommend networking. Don’t be afraid to meet folks for lunch or coffee and learn more about what they do. You’ll never know when your paths may cross again.
5. What are some of the skills necessary to be a good administrative lawyer?
You have to pay attention to detail. One or two words can substantially change the meaning and cost of a regulation. Knowing the process and being a careful writer are essential to this practice.
6. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing administrative law practitioners?
The Administrative Procedure Act needs to adapt to changing society to really take the practice area to the next level. It should address the issue of independent agencies. Also, as the world increasingly becomes more interconnected, , agencies need to consider the international impact of certain regulations and ensure that our regulators interact with their foreign counterparts. This will allow the field to improve and grow.
7. Outside of the law, what are your favorite activities or hobbies?
I like to keep pretty active by running, playing racquetball and exercising. My wife and I are foodies so we go to a lot of restaurants. We also like to travel.
This post was originally published on the legacy ABA Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Notice and Comment blog, which merged with the Yale Journal on Regulation Notice and Comment blog in 2015.
Meet Adam Schlosser, the Director of the Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Below, he discusses his international regulatory work, career in administrative law, and critical issues facing the profession.
1. Could you please describe your current role?
I am the Director of the Center for Global Regulatory Cooperation (GRC) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is the largest business association in the United States with approximately three million members. Ninety-six percent of our members are small businesses. We cover all sectors and industries.
The GRC seeks to align trade, regulatory, and competition policy in support of open and competitive markets. This includes promoting good regulatory practices and efficient regulatory results with governments around the world. We also encourage U.S. businesses to work with the international community.
For example, I currently work on the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council (RCC). The RCC examines regulations and seeks to find compatibility and duplication amongst both countries’ requirements and promote solutions that are good for businesses. Similarly, I work on issues related to the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership to encourage regulatory cooperation that supports economic growth and job creation.
I also work extensively on issues related to cross-border data flows and data privacy, which has been occupying a great deal of my time lately.
2. What experiences with administrative or regulatory law have you had?
I work extensively with many foreign governments on regulatory issues and through that lens I have gotten to experience the administrative law process and regulatory systems of many different governments, particularly the European Union.
I previously served as an International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service. While there, I worked with various foreign governments on regulatory issues that impacted U.S. exports. During my time with FAS I also got to conduct face to face negotiations with foreign officials to work through any trade issues. Prior to that, I worked at the General Services Administration, Office of Government-wide Policy writing regulations.
3. How did you become interested in practicing administrative law?
I first became interested in administrative law because it serves as a foundation for any subject. It is such a broadly applicable topic. If you know the process of how things work, you can work effectively on any legal issue.
4. Do you have any advice for aspiring or seasoned administrative lawyers?
I would say don’t be afraid to take chances. When considering a job opportunity, don’t just look at the organization, but also consider the possibility for growth and increased responsibility. For example, if it’s a new project, this may give you an opportunity to help shape the direction of the program. I also recommend networking. Don’t be afraid to meet folks for lunch or coffee and learn more about what they do. You’ll never know when your paths may cross again.
5. What are some of the skills necessary to be a good administrative lawyer?
You have to pay attention to detail. One or two words can substantially change the meaning and cost of a regulation. Knowing the process and being a careful writer are essential to this practice.
6. What do you think are the biggest challenges facing administrative law practitioners?
The Administrative Procedure Act needs to adapt to changing society to really take the practice area to the next level. It should address the issue of independent agencies. Also, as the world increasingly becomes more interconnected, , agencies need to consider the international impact of certain regulations and ensure that our regulators interact with their foreign counterparts. This will allow the field to improve and grow.
7. Outside of the law, what are your favorite activities or hobbies?
I like to keep pretty active by running, playing racquetball and exercising. My wife and I are foodies so we go to a lot of restaurants. We also like to travel.
This post was originally published on the legacy ABA Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice Notice and Comment blog, which merged with the Yale Journal on Regulation Notice and Comment blog in 2015.