Earl Adams Jr., Deputy Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, has stepped down from his post less than a year after he was sworn in.
Adams has joined global law firm Hogan Lovells as a partner in its transportation practice in Washington.
He is returning to the firm that he joined as an associate in 2002. In his new role, he will advise on regulatory issues related to autonomous vehicles and other new transportation technology, according to an announcement by Hogan Lovells.
“Earl is a fantastic addition to our top-tier transportation practice, and his leadership experience in both the public and private sectors will be extremely valuable to our clients,” said Janice Hogan, Practice Group Leader for the Global Regulatory & Intellectual Property, Media, and Technology group.
“During his tenure, Earl led the FMCSA’s work on developing and issuing the agency’s first regulations on the operation of autonomous vehicles, a top priority for our transportation and automotive clients. He also directed the agency’s work on alleviating supply chain issues across the freight industry, particularly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Emphasizing new technology
Adams, who served as both deputy administrator and chief counsel for the FMCSA, now advises on compliance and enforcement matters for transportation clients, including surface transportation, intermodal, electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, air travel, and infrastructure providers.
“I am thrilled to join Hogan Lovells’ preeminent transportation practice,” Adams said. “As we’ve witnessed in recent years, the transportation and infrastructure sectors are critical to domestic and global business. The firm provides an ideal platform to expand my practice in a time of rapid technological advancement, particularly for AVs and related areas, as well as increased global investment.”
Adams earned his law degree from Boston College Law School, as well as a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College.
