Four New Associates Join Archer
10.17.2012
Featured Insights
06.18.2026
Articles
EPA Proposes Rule to Repeal Federal Drinking Water Regulations for Certain PFAS Compounds
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.
06.11.2026
Client Advisories
CMS Moratorium: Home Health Agencies and Hospices
Hospices and Home Health Agencies: Now may not be the time to restructure. In May 2026, CMS implemented a temporary nationwide enrollment moratorium on Home Health Agencies (HHAs) and Hospices. The term of this initial moratorium will expire on November 12, 2026, but CMS left open the possibility of extending it for additional successive 6-month increments.
06.10.2026
Press Releases
Archer Welcomes Alexander Andrews to Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Insolvency Group in Hackensack Office
Archer is pleased to announce that Alexander J. Andrews has joined the firm as an Associate in its Bankruptcy, Restructuring & Insolvency Group in the firm's Hackensack office. Alex represents clients in bankruptcy, restructuring, and insolvency matters, both in and out of court. His practice includes advising a broad range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, corporate clients, indenture trustees, institutional investors, insurers, Chapter 7 trustees, trade creditors, and lessors and lessees, in both transactional matters and litigation.
Christopher C. Archer, who will be practicing in the Commercial Litigation Group, was a summer associate with Archer in 2011. Mr. Archer received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tufts University, followed by his law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. While at Temple, Mr. Archer served as the Executive Editor for the Temple Law Review and interned for the Honorable John T.J. Kelly Jr. of the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Raised in Berwyn, Pa., Mr. Archer currently resides in South Philadelphia with his wife and twin sons.
Brian McGovern, who will be practicing in the Corporate Department, was a summer associate with Archer in 2011. Mr. McGovern received his Bachelors of Arts in Political Science from Temple University, followed by his law degree from Rutgers School of Law – Camden. While at Rutgers, Mr. McGovern interned for the Honorable Berle M. Schiller of the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Brian was a Fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics and interned with the New Jersey Assembly Minority Office. While in law school, Mr. McGovern owned and operated a political consulting firm, Exit 3 Strategies LLC, and was a regularly featured political commentator on radio and television. Mr. McGovern currently resides in Voorhees, N.J.
Kate A. Sozio, who will be practicing in the Commercial Litigation Group, was a summer associate with Archer in 2011. She received her law degree, cum laude, from the Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University in 2012, and her Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, from Drexel University in 2006. During law school, Ms. Sozio served as a Note Advisor for the Drexel Law Review, interned for the Honorable Joel Schneider in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, and contributed over 100 pro bono hours to the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Prior to attending law school, Ms. Sozio worked as a Music and Media Licensing Coordinator for MTV Networks in New York. Ms. Sozio was born and raised in Marlton, NJ, and she currently resides in Cherry Hill, N.J., with her husband.
Richard Ramones is an associate in the firm’s Petroleum Industry Practices group. Mr. Ramones graduated cum laude from Rutgers School of Law – Camden in 2011, and graduated from Rutgers College in 2008 with a B.A. in History and Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Archer, Mr. Ramones was a law clerk for the Honorable Richard F. Wells, J.S.C. He also clerked for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the legal department of a major mutual fund company. Before attending law school, Mr. Ramones taught reading comprehension and verbal communication for children with learning disabilities. Mr. Ramones currently resides in Collingswood, N.J.