Rachael Padgett

Counsel | She/Her/Hers

Overview

Rachael Padgett’s practice focuses on the intersection of litigation and regulatory counseling, and she has a passion for advising clients on how to navigate product risk and achieve creative solutions.

As a counsel in the Litigation and Transportation Groups, Rachael handles matters involving product liability litigation, supply chain contract disputes, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Department of Transportation regulatory counseling, and Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting and investigations. With a focus on the transportation, micromobility, railroad, and retail product industries, she represents clients facing complex, high-stakes problems using a thoughtful, human approach to minimize client exposure and resolve disputes effectively.

Rachael maintains a pro bono practice with a focus on representing children in immigration cases and as guardian ad litem.

During law school, Rachael served as articles editor for The George Washington Law Review and received numerous awards, including the Jacob Burns Award for the First Place Team in the Van Vleck Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition, the Henry R. Berger Award for Excellence in the Area of Tort Law, and the Jennie Hassler Walburn Award for Excellence in the Area of Civil Procedure. She also worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Michael O’Keefe in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia’s Family Court and regularly volunteered at the Family Court Self-Help Center.

Career & Education

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    • James Madison University, B.A., 2015
    • The George Washington University Law School, J.D., with highest honors, 2018
    • James Madison University, B.A., 2015
    • The George Washington University Law School, J.D., with highest honors, 2018
    • District of Columbia
    • District of Columbia

Rachael's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 01.17.25

NHTSA Publishes Updated Proposed Rule on Manufacturer Recall Notifications

On January 10, NHTSA published a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) detailing its plan to update 49 C.F.R. Part 577, the regulations covering required recall notifications. This proposal stems from the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act’s mandate that NHTSA amend its regulations to require recall notifications be sent to vehicle and equipment owners and purchasers by electronic means, in addition to first-class mail. The SNPRM supplements a 2016 proposed rule, such that anticipated changes may have fallen off many manufacturers’ radars....

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Rachael's Insights

Client Alert | 3 min read | 01.17.25

NHTSA Publishes Updated Proposed Rule on Manufacturer Recall Notifications

On January 10, NHTSA published a Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (SNPRM) detailing its plan to update 49 C.F.R. Part 577, the regulations covering required recall notifications. This proposal stems from the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act’s mandate that NHTSA amend its regulations to require recall notifications be sent to vehicle and equipment owners and purchasers by electronic means, in addition to first-class mail. The SNPRM supplements a 2016 proposed rule, such that anticipated changes may have fallen off many manufacturers’ radars....