Christian Ford is recognized as a formidable advocate for companies facing government investigations and for delivering practical strategies to clients navigating the toughest regulatory challenges. With a sharp focus on high-stakes enforcement, he defends US and global companies in matters involving economic sanctions, export controls, environmental regulations, and anti-money laundering, among others. Renowned for his hands-on experience overseeing government enforcement and regulatory compliance, Christian is an invaluable ally to maritime and international trade clients navigating complex legal waters. He advises heavily regulated sectors — including chemicals, technology, energy, aerospace and defense, and financial services — on the full spectrum of regulatory compliance and national security issues.
Prior to joining DLA Piper, Christian served as a federal prosecutor in the Department of Justice's National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, overseeing investigations and prosecutions focused on export controls, sanctions, money laundering, and other matters affecting US national security and foreign relations. During this time, Christian worked closely with a wide range of federal law enforcement agencies and key regulatory and enforcement bodies, including but not limited to the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Homeland Security. This unique background and understanding of the interplay between civil, administrative and criminal investigations and enforcement — particularly involving the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and economic sanctions regulations — uniquely situates Christian to provide keen insights and counsel to his clients.
Christian later served as a Deputy Assistant Attorney General, where he advised the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy on critical national security regulatory and law enforcement matters, shaping high-level strategies and policies in these areas.
Christian is a veteran and former Navy SEAL. He maintains an active pro bono practice advocating on behalf of military veterans.
