Speaker 09.25.25
09.25
Climate Week – Energy Alliances: A Changing World Order
11:30AM - 5:30PM EDT
Ya’ara Barnoon leverages her experience as a senior official at the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to advise clients on national security law and policy, government acquisition processes, international trade and internal investigations.
Ya’ara brings defense, government and international insight to counsel clients on a wide array of national security, market entry and technology law issues. She works with businesses and investors seeking to expand globally, manage cross-border risk, and adapt to evolving artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and privacy obligations. Her strategic advice protects operations and positions clients for growth.
Representative Experience
Government Leadership & Defense
- Served as Chief of Staff and senior counsel in DoD Office of General Counsel, managing activities of hundreds of attorneys supporting litigation, regulatory, congressional and acquisition matters across an $850 billion enterprise.
- Counseled senior DoD leaders on CFIUS reviews, AI, cybersecurity regulations, 1260H list revisions and data protection, shaping cross-government legal and policy outcomes.
- Built consensus with U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and White House leaders on politically sensitive, complex issues, resolving disputes and advancing national security priorities.
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- Government Leadership & Defense cont’d
- As senior advisor to the Under Secretary of the Army, advised on Army’s $180 billion budget, led initiatives on AI, audit-readiness and reform of Foreign Military Sales processes.
- Improved DoD management processes by introducing technology-driven efficiencies that streamlined operations and enhanced oversight across legal teams.
- Developed and implemented cross-functional initiatives on audit readiness, AI and security assistance reform for the Army and broader DoD.
- Led creation of the Army’s Office of Analytic Integration, designing organizational structure, recruiting leadership and engaging stakeholders across DoD and research communities.
- Advised on Army’s $180 billion budget formulation, ensuring alignment with defense modernization strategy and long-term national security objectives.
- International Investigations & Compliance
- Conducted legal investigations into fraud and corruption allegations for a United Nations agency, strengthening compliance and governance.
- Advised aerospace, defense and energy clients on anti-corruption, trade and human rights compliance in major cross-border matters.
- Conducted internal investigations across three continents in high-profile enforcement cases, coordinating large multijurisdictional legal teams.
- Represented clients before international working groups including OECD and B20, advocating for harmonizing international compliance standards to reduce regulatory burden.
- Revised anti-corruption and trade compliance systems impacting 20,000+ employees, suppliers and agents for a leading European aerospace and defense company.
- Seconded to serve directly with the Chief Compliance Officer of a top European aerospace and defense company, advancing compliance reforms.
- Generated national security compliance programs addressing sanctions, FARA obligations and technology transfer risks for corporate clients.
- Provided pro bono representation in Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, sanctions compliance and national security law matters.
- Represented a world-leading aerospace and defense company in criminal investigations by multiple jurisdictions related to its historical use of third parties.
- Represented a multinational “supermajor” oil and gas company in a worldwide risk-assessment and compliance audit, in coordination with a compliance monitor.
- Conducted a multi-year global compliance review on behalf of corporate compliance monitor appointed by the DOJ, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the UK Serious Fraud Office for a multinational specialty chemical manufacturer.
- Conducted a global risk assessment for a world-leading aerospace and defense company.
- Conducted a worldwide compliance systems review regarding use of third-party sales intermediaries for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical company.
- Represented a CAC 40 French multinational oil field services company in a worldwide review of activities and coordination with its compliance monitor.
- Successfully represented French consulting companies and individuals in contested proceedings before the World Bank’s Sanctions Board, obtaining acquittal on all charges and reversal of suspension proceedings.
- Policy, Campaigns & Leadership Engagement
- Advised on cybersecurity, disinformation and election security for U.S. presidential campaigns.
- Directed Alaska voter protection program for a presidential campaign, training and deploying 150+ volunteers to safeguard elections.
- Led election day cyber and physical security response framework for a U.S. presidential campaign, mitigating real-time threats.
- Research
- Supported Harvard/U.S. Joint Forces Command study on operations in Afghanistan, delivering research that informed military policy.
- Led an international policy project at Harvard Kennedy School, engaging students, faculty and external partners on policy recommendations.
- Briefed British lawmakers and lectured U.S. Coast Guard cadets on American law and policy in defense and foreign affairs.
- Advised executives as a geopolitical risk consultant, focusing on Middle East affairs and nuclear proliferation issues for senior executives in the United States, UK and Japan.
- Researched U.S. policy on Syria and Middle East security issues as part of an Israeli think tank.
- Analyzed Middle East affairs at a U.S. foundation, publishing research and engaging journalists on evolving policy debates.
Professional Highlights
Associations
- Advised two U.S. presidential campaigns on cybersecurity, disinformation and election security.
- Selected as a Security Fellow with the Truman National Security Project, collaborating with national security leaders across public and private sectors.
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- “Building a Nuclear Policy Community for All,” Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference, 2025. Panelist.
- “From Data to Dollars, Unleashing Efficiency with Automation and Analytics,” American Society of Military Comptrollers, 2024. Panelist.
- “Securing U.S. Supply Chains,” American University Washington College of Law, 2021. Fireside chat.
- Named board member of defense policy organization, convening high-level discussions with policymakers and defense industry executives.
Education
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J.D., Georgetown University Law Center, 2013
M.A./B.A., International Relations and Middle East Studies, University of St. Andrews, 2007
with honors
Admissions
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District of Columbia