Sharon Swingle

Sharon Swingle is a civil rights lawyer with a long public service career in the Civil Division, Appellate Staff, at the US Department of Justice. She has served as Deputy Director since September 2019 after earlier work as Assistant Director and Attorney. Her career shows steady growth in federal civil appeals, legal review, and written advocacy. She helps protect public interests by guiding cases through complex appellate questions and supporting fair, well-reasoned government positions.

Sharon earned a J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School, where legal training likely strengthened her research, analysis, and writing skills. She also earned a B.A. in English Language and Literature/Letters from the University of Pennsylvania. That education supports her appellate work because clear reading, careful reasoning, and strong writing are central to appeals. Her academic path gave her a strong base for understanding legal issues and explaining them in a direct way for courts, lawyers, and public officials.

Sharon began as an Attorney in August 2001 and served in that role for more than eleven years. She then became Assistant Director in January 2013 and held that position until September 2019. In these roles, she worked on civil appellate matters and helped shape legal arguments for federal cases. Her work would have required close attention to court rules, records, statutes, and precedent, along with sound judgment under pressure. This experience reflects deep knowledge of appellate practice and federal litigation work.

Sharon Swingle helps people through public legal service rather than private client representation. Appellate lawyers in government help courts receive clear arguments, help agencies defend lawful actions, and help the public benefit from consistent legal positions. Her leadership role suggests she also supports other lawyers, reviews difficult issues, and helps maintain high standards in important cases. Through years of service, she has contributed to the fair handling of civil appeals and the careful presentation of government legal positions in matters affecting agencies, courts, and communities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Appellate Staff, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division
• Member, New York State Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar Association

Licensed State

• District of Columbia
• New York

Education

• University of Chicago Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Pennsylvania
  BA in English Language & Literature/Letters

Awards & Badges