Denise L. Romeo
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Versatile and results-oriented attorney with over 15 years of distinguished naval service, possessing a proven track record of success across all levels of leadership and a diverse range of operational and legal assignments. Significant leadership experience managing teams of legal professionals in high-pressure environments, frequently under intense public scrutiny. [Active TS/SCI Clearance]
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Supervisory Attorney
Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT
07.2022 - Current
- Served as a National Security Law advisor for a tri-coastal organization providing legal advice to 8 senior executives and a staff of over 2,000 personnel on sensitive legal matters impacting global operations and strategy decisions.
- Provided incisive advice on time-sensitive, cutting-edge legal issues involving cyber, special operations, intelligence, and other specialized areas within national security law and military operations.
- Advised senior executives on compliance issues, reducing risk exposure and potential financial liabilities.
- Maintained strict confidentiality regarding personnel disciplinary actions, protecting their privacy rights throughout the process.
- Evaluated potential risks associated with intelligence operations in the maritime domain, providing guidance on mitigating factors.
- Mentored junior associates in best practices for effective client communication and case management techniques.
- Participated in continuing education courses to stay current on relevant laws and regulations within my area of expertise.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure timely resolution of complex legal matters.
- Contributed to the development of organizational policies and procedures, fostering a positive workplace culture and high ethical standards.
Senior Legal Advisor
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Advised senior executives on criminal and administrative disciplinary proceedings, ethics, and overall organizational culture, minimizing legal exposure and liability.
- Supervisory counsel of 10 legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and legal clerks.
- Provided legal advice related to law and procedure governing the conduct of active-duty personnel aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier comprised of over 2,500 personnel.
- Supervised 250+ junior watchstanders as Command Duty Officer responsible for keeping the ship, its crew, and cargo safe in the absence of the ship's Captain.
- Directed, supervised, optimized work of attorneys, and support staff: Assigned and reviewed work product; appraised and recognized performance; recruited talent; identified career development and training needs.
- Managed complex cases effectively, prioritizing tasks according to urgency and importance.
- Trained junior team members on relevant best practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning and establishing an inclusive and positive work environment.
Professional Development & Training Lead
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
07.2017 - 07.2020
- Managed budget allocations for multiple training projects, ensuring cost-effective delivery without compromising quality or impact.
- Led cross-functional team training sessions to foster collaboration and improve overall efficiency.
- Established a culture of continuous learning by promoting self-directed education opportunities for personnel at all levels of the organization.
- Developed and implemented training programs, qualification standards, educational materials, and immersive experiences, including deployments, for personnel located in 13 geographically dispersed offices.
- Evaluated training program effectiveness through regular feedback collection and assessment tools, ensuring continuous improvement.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Defense Service Office North
01.2016 - 07.2017
- Led, trained, and mentored 11 legal professionals, including 5 attorneys, paralegals and interns, to deliver a full range of defense services to Sailors, Marines, and Coastguardsmen facing serious criminal charges and other disciplinary proceedings.
- Improved client relationships by maintaining open lines of communication throughout case proceedings, ensuring they felt informed and continually supported.
- Mitigated clients' potential penalties by presenting compelling mitigation factors during sentencing hearings.
- Worked with clients to prepare and attend pre-trial hearings, trial, and administrative proceedings.
- Provided zealous defense for each accused tried by a military court, including 8 felony-level cases involving allegations of rape, sexual assault, and child abuse.
- Collaborated effectively with expert witnesses to strengthen defense arguments and present authoritative testimony during trials.
- Utilized alternative dispute resolution methods when appropriate, achieving successful outcomes without the need for lengthy court proceedings.
- Established a reputation for excellence in advocacy by delivering persuasive arguments in court and negotiating favorable plea bargains.
- Maintained high ethical standards while representing clients accused of serious crimes, ensuring a fair trial process for all parties involved.
- Maintained relationships with investigators by collecting facts and evidence, obtaining documents by subpoena and negotiating with prosecutors, and victims.
- Secured acquittals or reduced charges in numerous cases by skillfully cross-examining prosecution witnesses to expose inconsistencies or inaccuracies in their testimonies.
- Enhanced professional development by attending industry conferences, staying current on changes in criminal law, and maintaining active membership in relevant associations.
- Mentored junior attorneys within the organization, providing guidance and support as they developed their skills in criminal defense practice.
Staff Attorney
Office of the Judge Advocate General
03.2013 - 01.2016
- Led a team of four in the Sexual Assault Reporting branch for the Navy's Criminal Law Division during significant congressional interest in the military's handling of sexual assault cases.
- Performed legal research and analysis related to congressional proposals to revise the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
- Developed the Navy's input for the Department of Defense Annual Report to Congress on Sexual Assault in the Military.
- Served as legal advisor to the Department of the Navy's (DoN) first Sexual Assault Prevention and Response working group developing training, policy, and standardization of reporting within the DoN.
- Researched legal authorities, statutory, and case law and examined legal document drafts for compliance with procedural requirements.
- Led and managed all aspects of the agency's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) program, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders.
- Supervised FOIA staff, including processing specialists, analysts, and legal counsel, providing guidance, mentorship and performance feedback.
Education
J.D. -
Duquesne University Scool of Law
Pittsburgh, PA05-2009
Accomplishments
- Awards: American Bar Association's 2024 Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate.
- Continuing Education: Joint Professional Military Education Phase I (2019).
- Professional Development: Intermediate Leadership Course, Newport, RI (2017).
- Operational Assignment: Deputy Counsel (International Law Portfolio), Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force 435, Kabul, Afghanistan (2011-2012).
- Volunteer Experience: Founder of Salacia's Circle (a Lean-In affiliate), a leadership development program for women serving in the Naval Special Warfare community.
Licenses
Admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Timeline
Senior Supervisory Attorney
Naval Special Warfare Group EIGHT
07.2022 - Current
Senior Legal Advisor
USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)
07.2020 - 07.2022
Professional Development & Training Lead
Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic
07.2017 - 07.2020
Criminal Defense Attorney
Defense Service Office North
01.2016 - 07.2017
Staff Attorney
Office of the Judge Advocate General
03.2013 - 01.2016
J.D. -
Duquesne University Scool of Law
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