Sean R. Ward
Overview
Sean Ward is an accomplished federal regulatory enforcement lawyer with over 20 years of experience in transportation and product safety compliance, including at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). He provides strategic advice to clients on a wide range of issues involving regulatory compliance, high-profile investigations, settlement agreements, recalls, and enforcement.
Career & Education
- Office of the Chief Counsel
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Trial Attorney, Litigation and Enforcement, 2020–2025 - Office of Compliance
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Trial Attorney, 2002–2020
- Office of the Chief Counsel
- Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1997
- University of Virginia, B.A., 1993
- District of Columbia
- Virginia
Sean's Insights
Client Alert | 6 min read | 07.02.26
On June 26, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took two major actions related to autonomous vehicles. First, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing significant updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, which has governed light vehicle brake systems in passenger cars and light trucks since 1995.[1] Second, NHTSA formally withdrew its January 15, 2026 NPRM, which had proposed the Automated Driving System-Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP), a voluntary program for vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, and system integrators of autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems.
Speaking Engagement | 05.07.26
Insights
Is Your Company Prepared? A Checklist for Responding to Consumer Safety Complaints
|05.15.26
Crowell & Moring's Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Register Now! Between the Lines: What CPSC Enforcement Data Reveals for 2026 and Beyond
|04.01.26
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Day 4 of the ICPHSO Symposium: Courtroom Drama & Consumer Voices
|03.02.26
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
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02.27.26
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
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02.26.26
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Second Up to Bat at ICPHSO — and Swinging Hard: The New Realities of CPSC Enforcement
|02.25.26
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Register Now! Recall Execution Bootcamp
|12.17.25
Crowell & Moring’s Retail & Consumer Products Law Observer
Sean's Insights
Client Alert | 6 min read | 07.02.26
On June 26, 2026, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) took two major actions related to autonomous vehicles. First, NHTSA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing significant updates to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, which has governed light vehicle brake systems in passenger cars and light trucks since 1995.[1] Second, NHTSA formally withdrew its January 15, 2026 NPRM, which had proposed the Automated Driving System-Equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP), a voluntary program for vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators, and system integrators of autonomous vehicles and automated driving systems.
Speaking Engagement | 05.07.26
