Carrie W.

About Carrie W.

I am a \"Root-Cause\" thinker and Senior Legal Executive dedicated to solving complex problems with common-sense language and strategic judgment. With 17+ years of experience navigating the intersection of national security, emerging technology, and high-stakes litigation, I specialize in translating legal complexity into actionable business strategy. From the DOJ Criminal Division to the Military Judiciary, I have served as a \"force multiplier\" for organizations operating in the world’s most highly regulated environments.I thrive at the intersection of law and mission-critical technology, building the legal frameworks that allow transformational companies to scale safely and ethically. Where I add immediate value: Digital Safety & Platform Integrity: Expert navigator of § 230, the Stored Communications Act (SCA), and NCMEC reporting. I lead transnational investigations into online exploitation and cybercrime while advising on national policy for digital protections.Executive Advisory & Governance: I serve as a trusted partner to C-Suite and Board leaders, advising on AI governance, cybersecurity compliance (NIST, InfoSec), and the mitigation of enterprise-level risk without slowing down innovation.Operational Excellence: I have a proven track record of scaling legal functions—including engineering DoD-wide digital systems for eDiscovery—and managing large-scale operating budgets and cross-functional teams (Attorneys, Intel, and Tech).Strategic Risk & Crisis Leadership: Lead counsel in 130+ jury trials and current Trial Judge. I bring \"impeccable judgment\" to complex internal investigations, regulatory inquiries, and reputation management.Core Expertise: Digital Safety & Online Protections | AI Governance | Transnational Platform Liability (§ 230/SCA)| C-Suite Advisory | Operational Legal Leadership (TS/SCI+)

Experience

1. Managing Counsel

   U.S. Army Jag Corps

   Apr 2007 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Military Trial Judge (Senior Leadership/Reserve)| 2023 – Present• Executive Adjudication: Preside over complex litigation with a focus on digital evidence, international subpoenas, and information security.• Organizational Development: Train and mentor senior litigators and judges on evolving cross-jurisdictional authorities and ethical standards.Managing Counsel (Active Duty & Reserve)| 2007 – 2023• Strategic Advisory: Acted as Chief Ethics Advisor to senior executives on international compliance (FCPA), contractor qualifications, and post-government employment. Top 1% evaluation for “impeccable judgment, total candor & integrity; work ethic second to none.”• Policy Innovation: Lead advisor on Congressional testimony for statutory reforms implemented in NDAA 2016 and 2024.• Tech Infrastructure: Engineered the DoD-wide digital systems for eDiscovery and cloud-based information security, scaling legal operations for users.• General Counsel Services: Advised on 100+ matters involving federal contracts (FAR/DFARS), intellectual property protection, and labor/employment investigations with a 95% success rate in adverse inquiries. Rated as top 1% executive advisor, proven as practical & efficient through holistic risk assessments & leveraged negotiations, maximizing grey areas of law for long-term goals.• Complex Litigation. Lead counsel on 130+ jury trials, involving the nation’s most publicized and complex cases

Education

• The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center & School

  Master of Laws - LLM, Concentration: Complex Criminal Litigation

• Cleveland State University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Philosophy and Religious Studies

• Case Western Reserve University

  Doctor of Law (J.D.), Intellectual Property and Technology Law

  2001 — 2004