Sheila A.G. Armbrust

Sheila A.G. Armbrust is a partner focused on white collar defense, investigations, and complex litigation. She represents companies, boards, and individuals facing government scrutiny from agencies including the DOJ, SEC, FTC, and state attorneys general. Clients rely on her for clear guidance on high-stakes matters involving technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, financial services, and data privacy, where regulatory exposure and reputational risk demand precise strategy and disciplined execution worldwide.

Sheila earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she served as Editor in Chief of the Harvard Journal of Law and Gender. She also holds a B.A. from Northwestern University. Her academic training supports sophisticated analysis in investigations, compliance counseling, and litigation strategy, particularly when evaluating complex statutes, enforcement priorities, and evidentiary issues.

Before returning to private practice, Sheila served in senior roles at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. As a federal prosecutor, she led investigations and trials involving securities fraud, healthcare enforcement, trade secrets, and financial crimes. That experience allows her to anticipate government strategy, manage risk, and help clients resolve matters efficiently, often achieving declinations or favorable outcomes through disciplined advocacy and careful negotiation.

Sheila A.G. Armbrust also advises organizations on building compliance programs and responding to crises with credibility and control. She conducts internal investigations, guides boards through sensitive decisions, and defends clients in federal court. Her work helps organizations protect operations, restore trust, and move forward after investigations conclude, while maintaining ethical standards and long-term stability in heavily regulated business environments.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Sidley Austin LLP
• Member, State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Northwestern University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges