Christopher Grigorian

NHTSA & Motor Vehicle Safety, Transportation Regulatory, Environmental, Public Policy & Government Relations, Trade Associations

Christopher H. Grigorian is widely regarded as one of the nation’s leading advisors to motor vehicle manufacturers and major automotive suppliers on the full spectrum of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regulatory matters. As a partner and chair of the firm’s NHTSA & Motor Vehicle Safety Practice, and co-chair of the Trade Association Practice, Chris is known for his practical, collaborative approach and deep industry insight.

With decades of experience, Chris has guided clients through well over a hundred safety recalls and investigations — including some of the largest and most significant in NHTSA’s history. He helps companies manage every facet of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, defect reporting and recall obligations, enforcement proceedings, TREAD reporting, rulemaking advocacy, emerging issues related to autonomous and electric vehicles, and other critical compliance issues under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, the TREAD Act, and related NHTSA regulations.

His practice spans an impressive array of clients — from global manufacturers of cars, trucks, buses, RVs, and motorcycles to original equipment and aftermarket suppliers of lighting systems, tires, airbags and restraints, driveline and brake components, active safety technologies, emissions and exhaust systems, EV batteries, suspension components, child restraints, electronics, and other critical vehicle systems and technologies. His practice also extends to counseling on federal and California emissions certification and compliance, as well as related commercial and supply chain concerns.

A highly collaborative counselor, Chris is known for building long-term relationships with clients and industry stakeholders alike. He regularly speaks at key industry events and trade association gatherings, where he shares practical strategies and insights to help manufacturers meet their regulatory obligations.

Chris is also a trusted advisor to industry associations, representing them in complex rulemaking proceedings and providing strategic counsel to their members on safety and regulatory compliance.

Chris’s dedication to client service and deep subject-matter expertise have been recognized by Chambers USA, which named him one of America’s leading lawyers in Transportation: Road (Automotive) every year since 2013 (most recently in the coveted Band 1). Clients have praised him as “exceptionally knowledgeable and very responsive,” underscoring the trust and confidence he inspires among his clients.

Earlier in his career, Chris honed his litigation skills as a trial and senior trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, where he litigated cases in federal courts nationwide and earned the Tax Division’s Outstanding Attorney Award.

American University Washington College of Law

JD

1989

George Washington University

BBA

1986