SARAH J. COTTRILL
Columbia
Summary
Accomplished Judge Advocate with extensive experience at the U.S. Navy, specializing in national security law and strategic planning. Proven track record in policy development and effective communication, leading legal teams to navigate complex legal challenges. Adept at risk management and operational planning, ensuring mission success in high-stakes environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Judge Advocate
U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps
10.2006 - Current
- Chief, National Security Law Division and Special Counsel to the Director of Operations, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate, United States Cyber Command (Ft. Meade, MD) 8/23 - Present.
- Executive Officer, Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia (Naples, Italy) 7/21 - 8/23 The number two attorney in charge of a legal command with over 100 legal professionals across offices in the UK, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Bahrain.
- Staff Judge Advocate to the Commander, Office of Naval Intelligence (Suitland, MD) 8/19 - 7/21 The senior legal advisor to the two-star Admiral in charge of the Naval intelligence community. Managed a team of attorneys providing advice across the Naval intelligence community.
- Force Judge Advocate, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (Williamsburg, VA) 6/18 - 8/19 Provided legal advice on a wide range of issues to a two-star Admiral, his staff, and the world-wide NAVELSG force, including numerous subordinate Regimental Commodores and Battalion Commanding Officers.
- Professional Development Officer, Region Legal Service Office Mid-Atlantic (Norfolk, VA) 7/15 - 7/17 Oversaw the training and professional development of over 200 attorneys, civilians and military paralegals across a six state area of responsibility.
- Assistant to the Chief Judge, Department of the Navy (Washington Navy Yard) 12/13 - 7/15 Advised and assisted the Chief Judge in all aspects of the management and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps judiciary, including over fifty trial and appellate judges around the world.
- Deputy Staff Judge Advocate to the Director of Naval Intelligence (Pentagon) 2/12 - 12/13 Advised three-star Admiral's staff of 650 personnel, including over thirty Flag Officers and members of the Senior Executive Service, on issues including espionage investigations, cyber and intelligence policies, ethics, and international intelligence-sharing agreements.
- Advised four-star General's staff on rules of engagement, electronic attacks, personnel recovery, operational and humanitarian issues at Camp Ashraf, and facilitated understanding of Arab-Kurd/Disputed Internal Boundaries.
- Represented hundreds of service members in trials and administrative hearings for serious charges, ensuring fair legal representation and safeguarding their rights.
Education
Master of Laws (LLM) - International/National Security Law
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL
NEW YORK, NY06-2018
Juris Doctor -
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
PITTSBURGH, PA06-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology; Crime, Law & Justice; Minor in Sociology
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
STATE COLLEGE, PA06-2003
Skills
- National security law
- Legal research
- Policy analysis
- Risk management
- Operational planning
- Strategic planning
- Strategic thinking
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Detail orientation
- Effective communication
- Security clearance
Bar Admission
Pennsylvania, 2006
Timeline
Judge Advocate
U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps
10.2006 - Current
Master of Laws (LLM) - International/National Security Law
COLUMBIA LAW SCHOOL
Juris Doctor -
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology; Crime, Law & Justice; Minor in Sociology
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY