Acting General Counsel

OGC's current Acting General Counsel, John Rizzo, has over 30 years of service to the CIA, making numerous contributions to the Agency mission throughout his career, especially while in his posts as Acting General Counsel and Senior Deputy General Counsel of the CIA. Previously, Mr. Rizzo served in other CIA leadership positions, including Deputy General Counsel for Operations and Deputy Director of the Office of Congressional Affairs. 

Mr. Rizzo earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Brown University and graduated cum laude from George Washington Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review. Prior to joining the CIA, he practiced law for the US Department of Treasury's Office of General Counsel specializing in enforcement, customs and narcotics issues. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar.

OGC's Attorneys

The Office of General Counsel consists of attorneys with a variety of backgrounds and experience.  Here is what a few of them have to say about OGC:

"Leaving an AmLaw 100 firm to come to CIA was the best career move I've made.  Here, I've found the interesting work and the smart and dedicated colleagues that I'd come to expect at a big firm -- but I have also discovered the joys of practicing law without billable hours and in an environment where commitments to family and other outside activities are both respected and encouraged."  --  A lateral CIA attorney

"I came to OGC after 10 years as in-house counsel to a small nonprofit and could not be happier with my decision.  One of the most appealing aspects of working in OGC is that you are constantly learning something new.  Between the opportunities for job change, the support for ongoing education, and the collegial environment in which attorneys share ideas and opinions, OGC is an incredibly dynamic place to work."  --  A lateral CIA attorney

"Starting in OGC as a Summer Law Clerk, growing as an attorney through the Honors Program, and continuing a career here has given me wonderful opportunities.  In my opinion, the best part of working in OGC is the variety of jobs you can have, without changing employers.  I have had a chance to serve two rotational assignments outside of CIA -- one with the Air Force and a second as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice, gaining valuable experience and insight into areas outside of the Intelligence Community.  The flexibility of the office, and the number of creative assignments available, is different from nearly every other legal sector job.  The challenge, the variety, and the potential to learn new areas of law means every day is different and the experience is rewarding in very diverse ways." --  A current CIA attorney

"I joined the Agency as a Summer Law Clerk.  Through the Summer Law Clerk program, I gained exposure to the Agency's wide-ranging legal practice and learned a lot about the Agency and the Intelligence Community.  After finishing law school, I returned to the Agency through the Honors Program.  As an Honors Attorney, I interact daily with clients and provide guidance on a variety of interesting legal issues.  The legal issues that arise here are often similar to issues that would arise elsewhere, but they always have an Agency-unique twist that makes practicing law here challenging and interesting."  --  A CIA Honors attorney