Bernadette has extensive trial experience and experience conducting sensitive internal investigations, as well as the ability to guide clients effectively and efficiently through a variety of situations, including government investigations and audits.

Overview

During her lengthy litigation career, Bernadette has served as counsel in various types of civil litigation, including time as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Civil and Criminal Divisions of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia. Bernadette has also conducted internal investigations of various kinds including workplace investigations for employers. She leads clients through government investigations and helps them comply with codes of ethics and conduct and other compliance requirements.

Bernadette’s litigation experience, as well as her time as counsel to several government agencies, including the Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Ethics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, combine to make her an ideal workplace investigator, sensitive to the myriad issues that arise in internal and government investigations and ongoing operations under consent decrees. While she works with a range of employers and organizations, she has particular experience with energy companies, having previously served as an attorney with the Enforcement Division of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Experience

Bernadette has had over 30 jury trials.

Bernadette has served as lead counsel in a variety of civil cases.

Bernadette has conducted dozens of investigations into the most sensitive topics including workplace discrimination and harassment and violations of internal codes of conduct.

She provides practical, efficient and insightful counseling and advice to clients needing to address workplace situations in real time.

Bernadette has served as outside counsel reviewing progress and investigating complaints of workplace discrimination and harassment for an electrical contractor operating under a consent decree arising from the settlement of federal race discrimination lawsuit. 

She has experience defending government contractors in litigation with the OFCCP involving affirmative action plan compliance and pay discrimination claims.   

Bernadette trains line supervisors and others at private business and government agencies on how to recognize, address and avoid discriminatory workplace harassment and hostile work environments.

She has argued and won numerous appeals both in private practice and in government service.

Bernadette is Chair of the DC Board on Professional Responsibility. She previously served as Chair of the Board's Rules Committee.

News & Insights

Speaking Engagements

"Managing Investigations: A Guide for In-House Counsel," NBA-CLS Speaker Series, October 6, 2021

Recognitions

Recognitions

Selected to the 2023, 2024 editions of Best Lawyers in America©

Professional & Civic Activities

Professional & Civic Activities

Assistant United States Attorneys' Association of the District of Columbia

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Women's White Collar Defense Association

DC Board on Professional Responsibility, Chair

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • New York
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Education

University of Michigan School of Law, J.D.

Bryn Mawr College, A.B.

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