Omar Ashmawy

Staff Director and Chief Counsel

Omar Ashmawy is a highly experienced legal professional currently serving as the Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), where he provides guidance on legal and political matters related to public corruption and compliance with various laws and regulations.

Prior to his role at OCE, Ashmawy had a distinguished eight-year career in the United States Air Force, serving as a Judge Advocate General. During his military tenure, he handled a myriad of legal cases, including high-profile and complex litigation, accumulating over 100 criminal trials, with more than 65 jury trials.

Ashmawy's final military assignment was with the Office of the Chief Prosecutor, Office of Military Commissions, where he notably prosecuted a significant U.S. war crimes tribunal - U.S. v. Hamdan, marking the first litigated U.S. war crimes tribunal since World War II.

Ashmawy is also known for his speaking engagements at prestigious institutions such as American University, George Washington University Law School, University of Chicago Law School, and the University of Colorado Law School, along with appearances on major media outlets like CNN, CBS News, Fox News, and ABC radio.

His professional specialties include Political Law, Regulatory Compliance, Ethics, Investigations, Litigation (white collar and violent felony), and National Security.

Regarding his education, Ashmawy completed his JD at The George Washington University Law School and acquired a BA in Political Science (Middle East Policy; Political Theory) from the same institution.

In addition to his current role at OCE, Ashmawy has held various positions in prestigious organizations, including Faculty at Practicing Law Institute and roles at the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the General Counsel, and the United States Senate, Judiciary Subcommittee on Tech., Terrorism & Government Info.

Recognized for his expertise and achievements, Ashmawy was featured on the National Journal's 2012 list of Washington, DC's most powerful and influential individuals under 35.