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Sean R. Ward

Counsel
Counsel
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Areas of Focus

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.

At NHTSA’s Office of the Chief Counsel, Sean led defect and civil penalty investigations; negotiated consent orders; managed large, complex recalls with independent monitors; and spearheaded a novel civil penalty investigation against a car-sharing company for violating the FAST Act. At CPSC’s Office of Compliance, Sean led defect investigations into companies violating the Consumer Product Safety Act, negotiated substantial civil penalty agreements, and advised on corrective action plans for recalled defective products.

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
      National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Trial Attorney, Litigation and Enforcement, 2020–2025
    • Office of Compliance
      Consumer Product Safety Commission, Trial Attorney, 2002–2020

    • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1997
    • University of Virginia, B.A., 1993
    • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1997
    • University of Virginia, B.A., 1993

    • Virginia
    • *Admitted in Virginia Only. Practicing Under the Supervision of D.C. Bar Members.
    • Virginia
    • *Admitted in Virginia Only. Practicing Under the Supervision of D.C. Bar Members.

Sean's Insights

Webinar | 05.07.26

Between the Lines: What CPSC Enforcement Data Reveals for 2026 and Beyond

Join us for an engaging discussion and review of regulatory enforcement trends and a look at what lies ahead. Topics will include:...

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