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 AKD Partners, 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.
