On February 11, 2025, President Trump nominated Jonathan Morrison to be Administrator of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Notably, this will not be Morrison’s first stint at NHTSA as he served as Chief Counsel at NHTSA during the first Trump Administration.

Morrison has a long history of automotive-focused work. Before his first tenure at NHTSA, he was President of Auto Advisory Services, Inc. and head of legal and regulatory affairs for the California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA). Auto Advisory Services, Inc. is described on Morrison’s LinkedIn as an association providing assistance to a network of “over 500 California dealerships, including many of the largest dealer groups in the country.” His LinkedIn further indicates he “held primary responsibility over CNCDA’s legal compliance operations, developing guidance for dealers in response to new or amended statutes, regulations, court opinions, or law enforcement activity” while also working to create “legislative and regulatory policy proposals to benefit the new car industry, and defeating or narrowing proposals that would be harmful to the industry.”

Following Morrison’s recent nomination, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) issued a statement saying that “[d]uring his tenure as Chief Counsel of NHTSA during President Trump’s first term, Morrison was a committed public servant who put safety first and worked closely and effectively with GHSA and its members.”

We look forward to learning more about Morrison’s insights and approach to NHTSA during his upcoming confirmation hearings.

Photo of Mimi Dennis Mimi Dennis

Mimi S. Dennis represents leading national and global companies in commercial, civil, and product liability litigation and product regulatory counseling matters. Her clients include Class I and short line railroads, manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers.

With a focus on the rail, pharmaceutical, energy…

Mimi S. Dennis represents leading national and global companies in commercial, civil, and product liability litigation and product regulatory counseling matters. Her clients include Class I and short line railroads, manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers.

With a focus on the rail, pharmaceutical, energy, and construction industries, Mimi defends clients in multidistrict proceedings, arbitrations, and other complex litigation. She also has first chair bench and jury trial experience. Mimi understands the nuances of the industries in which her clients operate, and she strives to help them balance litigation risks with business goals. Clients appreciate her hands-on approach and her sincere interest in developing strong personal relationships and a deep understanding of their businesses. Staying current on litigation issues, Mimi has published several articles on environmental and civil litigation matters, ranging from a discussion of class action certification to defenses in pharmaceutical failure-to-warn cases.

On the counseling side of her practice, Mimi helps clients limit risk and avoid liability and compliance issues. Representing clients in the food, beverage, chemical, medical device, and pharmaceutical industries, she handles regulatory matters before federal and state agencies, including FDA, EPA, and IRBs. Acting as an advisor to her clients, she carefully assesses risks, recommends actions, and counsels clients on contract formation, negotiation, and interpretation.

Mimi is a member of the firm’s Mass Tort, Product, and Consumer Litigation, Product Risk Management, and Transportation groups. In 2024, she was selected as a member of the Law360 Transportation Editorial Board and accepted as a member of the General Counsel Committee of the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Mimi maintains an active pro bono practice focused on providing legal services to immigrant women and girls who are survivors of gender-based violence, and has also served as a guardian ad litem in D.C. Superior Court.

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