Ryan L. Ford

Ryan L. Ford

Partner
Washington, D.C.

Email [email protected]​hoganlovells.com

Phone +1 202 637 5866

Fax +1 202 637 5910

Practice groupLitigation, Arbitration, and Employment

Ryan Ford understands the automotive business, and the challenges facing companies that sell and distribute motor vehicles in the United States. An experienced litigator and trial lawyer, Ryan combines his industry knowledge and first-class litigation skills to achieve practical results for his motor vehicle manufacturer clients.

Ryan has handled litigation for motor vehicle manufacturers in more than 20 jurisdictions across the United States. He has tried (and won) cases before judges, juries, arbitrators, and administrative agencies, and protected those wins on appeal.

Ryan's unique practice extends beyond litigation, with clients also regularly calling on him for advice regarding motor vehicle franchise laws in all 50 states. Ryan has counseled clients on nearly every type of franchise law issue, including performance cure programs, terminations, establishments, transfers, facilities, and incentive programs. Recognizing his clients' interest in new and disruptive business models, Ryan frequently provides advice on cutting-edge issues such as online sales, direct manufacturer sales, and partnerships with third-party sellers.

Before joining Hogan Lovells, Ryan began his legal career as a staff attorney at the Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. in Wilmington, Delaware, where he represented people living in poverty and individuals with disabilities in litigation. That experience instilled in Ryan a desire to use his litigation skills to give back to his community, and he does that by representing clients pro bono in disability and housing-related litigation.

Awards and recognitions

2019-2020

Acritas Star
Acritas Stars Independently Rated Lawyers

2020

Transport: Rail and Road - Litigation and Regulation, Rising Star
Legal 500 US

2019,2021

Transport: Rail and Road - Litigation and Regulation, Recommended
Legal 500 US

Education and admissions

Education

J.D., New York University School of Law, Robert McKay Scholar, 2010

B.A., College of William & Mary, Phi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude, 2007

Memberships

Delaware Bar Association

National Eagle Scout Association

Bar admissions and qualifications

District of Columbia

Delaware

Court admissions

U.S. District Court, District of Columbia

U.S. District Court, District of Delaware

U.S. District Court, District of Colorado

Representative experience

Defended motor vehicle distributor in 4-week federal jury trial where plaintiff sought over $40m in damages; jury awarded plaintiff $1, far less than damages awarded to defendant on its counterclaims.

Prevailed as trial counsel in three dealer termination proceedings in three years. Two decisions were affirmed on appeal; the third was settled during appeal on terms favorable to client.

Prevailed in an international arbitration tied to the termination of a motor vehicle distributor in Kuwait; arbitration award affirmed on appeal by the Sixth Circuit.

Prevailed on behalf of a leading luxury distributor in a dealer-relocation case tried before the Florida Department of Administrative Hearings.

Obtained a favorable settlement on behalf of a family that was wrongly evicted from their home of over 14 years in a lawsuit against their former landlord.

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