Christina Sarchio
daughter of Spanish immigrants, is a partner at the law firm of Patton Boggs LLP. She lives and works in the Washington, DC area.
Join me as I speak with Christina about her growing up years, and how her experiences both influenced her perspective on the world and led her to her career path.
Christina received her BA from Cornell University in 1991 and her JD from George Washington University in 1995.
Early in her career, Christina prosecuted a broad range of criminal cases before both the trial and appellate courts in Manhattan as an Assistant District Attorney for New York County.
After leaving the District Attorney’s office, she went to the law firm of Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. before starting her practice at Howrey, LLP (www.howrey.com). She is now a litigation partner at Howrey in the Washington, DC office, practicing in the commercial litigation, antitrust and white collar legal arenas.
I’ll be talking with Christina about her role at the District Attorney’s office, and what moved her direction to private practice.
Christina has developed an expertise in representing corporate clients engaged in complex federal and state actions sounding in: multi-district class-action and private litigation concerning criminal and civil antitrust matters; fraud; business torts; contract disputes; and franchise/dealer terminations.
She has substantial experience with major enterprises in the oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, beer, tobacco, and residential insulation industries.
What led Christina to practice the kind of law she does, and what does she enjoy about it?
Christina has served as lead or co-counsel in numerous jury and bench trials, and has participated significantly in several arbitrations. She also has defended corporate and individual clients in criminal investigations.
Christina also serves as Howrey’s Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee, as well as the Chair of Professional Development for the DC Global Litigation practice group.
Being a partner at a top law firm is a role seldom held by Latinas. How does Christina find the position, and what challenges has she faced? What changes is she making as chair of the Diversity Committee?
This past year, Christina served as lead-trial counsel in a ground-breaking lawsuit against Prince William County, Virginia challenging an unconstitutional and discriminatory local ordinance that targeted illegal immigrants. The Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund served as co-counsel. While that litigation has temporarily stalled on procedural grounds, the case received national attention and sparked much debate on whether a local government can enforce federal immigration laws.
Since immigration is such a hot topic for many Latinos, how does Christina view her ability to influence policy and law in this area?
Christina has taught as an Adjunct Professor at The George Washington University Law School, and provided on-air legal commentary on a variety of criminal and civil legal topics.
Christina has authored several articles on complex legal issues, and has been a speaker for various panels, including those for the American Bar Association.
Christina currently serves as the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Vice President of External Affairs. She was also elected to the DC Bar Board of Governors for 2007-10. She is the immediate past-president of the Hispanic Bar Association of DC, which was honored under her stewardship with the Hispanic National Bar’s 2006 “Best Affiliate of the Year.”
How does Christina find time for all her professional and community involvements, and how does she bring the work/family life balance into her life?
In 2008, Christina was named by Hispanic Business magazine as one of “Twenty Elite Women,” and the George Washington University Law School honored her with the Belva Lockwood Woman of the Year award. The Washington Business Journal named Christina as a recipient of its 2007 Top Washington Lawyers award as a “Young Gun.” Hispanic Business magazine also recognized Christina as one of 2006’s “100 Most Influential Hispanics.”