Charles J. Dennen

In a recent article published by The Legal Intelligencer, partner Charlie Dennen examines the D.C. Circuit’s decision upholding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)....

An article examining summer associate programs at New Jersey law firms features Archer’s Summer 1L Program, highlighting the firm’s commitment to mentorship, professional development, and meaningful, hands-on legal experience for the next generation of lawyers. Archer Hiring Committee Co-Chair Charlie Dennen is quoted in the article describing the program’s opportunities for law students to work closely with attorneys across practice areas and experience Archer’s collegial, collaborative environment....

In an article written for the Legal Intelligencer, partner Charlie Dennen explains that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to repeal federal drinking water regulations for several PFAS compounds—specifically PFHxS, PFNA, GenX (HFPO-DA), and the Hazard Index used for mixtures involving those chemicals and PFBS—arguing that the prior standards were promulgated through an “unlawful process” and did not properly follow the Safe Drinking Water Act’s required steps for setting enforceable limits. The article outlines the EPA’s prior 2024 rule establishing maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS, the agency’s subsequent reconsideration in 2025, and its current position that the mixture-based Hazard Index and several individual PFAS limits exceeded statutory authority and misapplied feasibility and risk-assessment requirements. Charlie further highlights the EPA’s reliance on the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference and requires courts to independently interpret statutory meaning, increasing legal risk for agency rulemaking. While the proposal would remove monitoring and treatment obligations for the affected PFAS, he notes the relief may be temporary because the EPA has indicated it will continue evaluating these substances for possible future regulation, even as separate standards for PFOA and PFOS remain in place and continue to drive most PFAS-related compliance obligations....