Profile details
About Sean Quinn
Sean is counsel in the strategic risk and crisis management practice based in Washington, D.C. Sean’s practice is cross-disciplinary, focusing on both high-stakes investigations in Congress and before federal agencies, as well as regulatory strategy and controversies in complex, highly regulated industries. He also consults on product design, compliance, and commercial matters, especially related to internet platform services, content moderation, machine learning artificial intelligence, and big data.
Prior to joining Freshfields, Sean was investigative counsel for the US House of Representatives Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. In that role, he conducted depositions and interviews of more than 30 key witnesses, led inquiry into various aspects of the attack, and played a central role in designing and preparing nationally televised hearings about the insurrection. Sean also served for several years as investigative counsel in the Office of Congressional Ethics. There he gained deep experience managing cases as lead attorney investigating corruption-related allegations including fraud, conflicts of interest, campaign finance issues, and ethics violations under House rules, FECA and FEC regulations, the LDA, STOCK Act, and criminal provisions of the US Code, among other federal and state laws.
Earlier in his career, Sean was an associate at Williams & Connolly LLP, where he specialized in complex litigation and white-collar defense. He is now also an adjunct Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center teaching a seminar on ethics, professional responsibility, and career development.
Recent work
- Serving as lead counsel to a multinational technology company regarding systemic risk assessment and mitigation related to content moderation and platform design as they relate to fundamental rights, civic participation, public health, and the threat of illegal content online.
- Represented tech start up in a congressional investigation related to alleged improprieties in financing and fundraising activities
- Advising multinational technology company on algorithmic fairness and use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in relation to emerging global regulation
Qualifications
Education
- J.D., Georgetown University Law Center
- B.A., Duke University, Trinity School of Arts and Sciences
Clerkships
- Law Clerk to the Hon. Robert Cleland, US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Bar Admissions
- Washington, DC