Ed Burbach and Jane Fergason Spotlight Scrutiny on FTC's Administrative Process
Âé¶¹Ö±²¥ & Lardner LLP partners Ed Burbach and Jane Fergason examine the constitutionality of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s administrative process in their Direct Selling News article, “â€�
“In 2026, DSN readers should learn whether companies operating in the United States have a right to have legal claims brought against them by the federal government determined by the courts,� the authors write, “rather than through an administrative process designed and operated by the very federal government agency — such as the FTC — which brings the claims.�
Burbach and Fergason share takeaways from a case before the U.S. Supreme Court that may resolve conflicting interpretations of federal law on the subject, as well as a case making its way through the Fifth Circuit challenging the FTC’s administrative process.
“It is not yet clear when the court will rule,� the authors conclude, “but the result will likely affect all retailers in the United States, including direct sellers.�
The authors commentary also appeared in Direct Selling News magazine issue.