Rachel Welford

Attorney; Aviation Regulatory. Concentrates practice on aviation regulatory matters, with a particular focus on advising clients on aviation security law and policy involving U.S. government agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Represents airlines, airports, aviation security vendors, and other regulated entities before TSA and CBP on administrative investigations and civil enforcement actions and advises TSA-regulated entities on compliance with TSA security regulations and standard security programs (AOSSP, FACAOSSP, IACSSP, and MSP). Counsels U.S. and foreign airlines on strategies for compliance with consumer protection and aviation safety laws implemented by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and helps clients secure economic and code sharing authority from DOT. Also represents clients on U.S. sanctions/export control matters involving the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Bureau of Industry Security (BIS). Prefers a window over an aisle seat.

Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" 2021-2025; JD Supra’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards, Top Author 2021, 2022; The Legal 500 United States "Rising Star" for Transport: Aviation and Air Travel 2021, 2022; The Legal 500 United States “Next Generation Partner” for Transport: Aviation and Air Travel 2023 -2025; Super Lawyers "Rising Star" in Washington, D.C. for Aviation and Aerospace, 2021-2025

American Bar Association Forum on Air and Space Law, Program Chair, Governing Committee 2023-2025

Women in Aviation, International, member