Former Army Acting General Counsel Michele Pearce Joins Covington

Former Army Acting General Counsel Michele Pearce Joins Covington

May 18, 2021

WASHINGTON—Michele Pearce, former Acting General Counsel of the Department of the Army, has joined Covington’s Public Policy practice in Washington.

Ms. Pearce has wide-ranging experience working on national security issues throughout her two decades of military and government service. She provides advisory and advocacy support and counseling to clients facing policy and political challenges in the aerospace and defense sectors.

“Michele’s experience provides a significant resource for our clients in a diverse range of industries that play a role in U.S. national security,” said Muftiah McCartin, co-chair of Covington’s Public Policy practice. “Her addition adds further depth and strength to our Public Policy practice group.”

Prior to joining Covington, Ms. Pearce held several senior staff positions within the Department of Defense and on Capitol Hill.

In her role as Acting General Counsel of the Department of the Army, Ms. Pearce served as the chief legal officer to the Army Secretary and was responsible for legal matters related to modernizing acquisition and contracting practices; implementing AI and hypersonics systems; reforming ethics programs; and, as the first Hispanic woman to serve as the Army’s top lawyer, reforming diversity and inclusion programs. She previously held senior positions within the Department of Defense as Deputy General Counsel (Legislation) and Associate Deputy General Counsel, Personnel and Health Policy.

Ms. Pearce gained significant legislative experience on Capitol Hill as Senior Defense Advisor to U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) providing advice on legal and budgetary matters related to authorizations and appropriations for the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Veterans Affairs. She also served as Staff Lead/Counsel to the House Armed Services Committee where she managed the staff and programs of one of the largest subcommittees in the Congress with a multi-billion dollar budget focused on operations and maintenance activities across the Department of Defense during a time of significant budget cuts.

“Covington is widely regarded as a go-to firm among clients in the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors, and I look forward to the opportunity to help clients navigate complex issues,” said Ms. Pearce. “I’m excited to join a dynamic team of lawyers and advisors who place a premium on policy experience.”