Ya'ara Z. Barnoon

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Speaking Engagements

• “Modern Challenges and Emerging Technologies in National Security and Defense Innovation,” GovCon East 2026, January 22, 2026.