Bio

Cecilia is a trusted attorney, leader, and adviser who has served at the highest levels of the Government, including the White House National Security Council Staff, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the National Counterterrorism Center.  She has also partnered extensively with private-sector executives as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to achieve solutions to some of the most complex issues facing the Nation and private industry. Cecilia focuses her practice on national security—specifically the defense, homeland security, and intelligence sectors.  Cecilia utilizes her extensive knowledge and broad array of experience to assist clients in the areas of personnel law, public policy, national security regulations, risk management, privacy, and ethics. 

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Cecilia served within the Intelligence Community for both the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense, and is adept at helping clients navigate the national security, defense, homeland security, and intelligence community landscapes. Throughout her career, Cecilia has been recognized as a leader within the legal community and selected for numerous high-visibility assignments. As a Deputy Legal Adviser for the National Security Counsel Staff, Cecilia served as the sole attorney for ethics and administrative law support for the White House  and assisted executive leadership with developing innovative solutions that comport with legal and policy requirements. Cecilia brings this depth and breadth of experience as she provides practical and solutions-oriented legal counsel and advice to clients of The Sander Group. 

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Cecilia began her career as an analyst supporting counterintelligence within the Department of Defense. She possesses an exceptional understanding of the tactical to strategic applications of intelligence and cybersecurity. In her various roles within the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense, she has improved counterterrorism preparedness among domestic law enforcement partners and international allies and nations. In addition, she has provided policy advice and guidance to ensure homeland security efforts protect individuals’ civil rights and civil liberties. Within the Department of Defense, Cecilia has served as a Contracting Officers’ Representative and supported the national and military intelligence programs in planning, programming, budgeting, and execution. 

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Cecilia received her Juris Doctorate from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law where she graduated magna cum laude. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross. She also provides pro bono legal support through Catholic Charities where she assists clients in judicial proceedings and administrative matters.