Foley Expands Automotive Industry Team with Addition of Christopher Grigorian

Grigorian Brings Significant Experience Counseling Clients on National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Issues.

Foley announced today that Christopher H. Grigorian has joined the firm’s Public Policy Practice and Automotive Industry Team as a partner in its Washington, D.C. office. Previously, Grigorian was a partner with Arent Fox LLP.

Grigorian focuses his practice on federal motor vehicle safety law, representing motor vehicle manufacturers and tier one parts suppliers on issues including product recalls, compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards, defect investigations and other compliance issues under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act and TREAD Act. He regularly advises industry associations on motor vehicle safety issues, which often includes representation in rulemaking proceedings.

“Chris has a vast amount of experience assisting both manufacturers and suppliers in navigating the complex issues associated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which will immediately make him a tremendous resource for our clients,” said Mark A. Aiello, co-chair of the firm’s Automotive Industry Team. “His capabilities add measurably to the strength of our existing team of attorneys throughout the country focused on serving the automotive industry, and we look forward to his contributions.”

“I am thrilled to be joining Foley,” said Grigorian. “The firm’s prominence in the automotive industry, along with its national reach and substantial presence in Detroit, make it an ideal platform to serve my existing clients and further expand my NHTSA practice.”

Also maintaining an active antitrust and trade regulation practice, Grigorian regularly counsels corporate and trade associations across numerous industries, including health care, consumer goods and automotive, on issues related to distribution and pricing; relationships with customers, suppliers and competitors; and related DOJ/FTC investigations. He also handles an array of commercial and business disputes.

“I look forward to working with my new colleagues and leveraging the depth of Foley’s capabilities to provide the highest level of service to my automotive, antitrust and trade association clients,” said Grigorian.

“Chris’ deep understanding of the issues surrounding federal motor vehicle safety laws will be instrumental as we increase our service offerings to our automotive clients nationwide,” said Scott L. Fredericksen, managing partner of the firm’s Washington, D.C. office. “In addition to the significant depth he will add to the firm’s Automotive Industry Team, we are excited about adding another accomplished attorney as we continue to expand our office in Washington.”

Prior to his role with Arent Fox LLP, Grigorian spent five years as a trial attorney and senior trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice, Tax Division, litigating tax cases in federal courts throughout the U.S. While there he received the Tax Division’s Outstanding Attorney Award.

With nearly 1,000 attorneys in 21 offices, Foley & Lardner LLP provides award-winning business and legal insight to clients across the country and around the world. Our team-based approach, innovative technology, and focus on value and client service are continually recognized by our clients and the legal industry. In a recent survey* of Fortune 1000 corporate counsel, Foley received a top 10 ranking out of more than 500 firms for our strong client focus, breadth of service, innovation, and value for the dollar. In addition, Foley was a Top 10 firm on the U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2010 “Best Law Firms” list, based on the total number of first-tier metropolitan rankings, and CIO magazine recognized Foley for technological innovation that enhances business value by naming the firm to its prestigious CIO-100 list.

*The BTI Consulting Group (Wellesley, Massachusetts)