Jessica N. Carmichael
Founding partner of Carmichael Ellis & Brock and a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney
Jessica N. Carmichael is a founding partner of Carmichael Ellis & Brock and a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney who represents individuals facing some of the most serious and consequential criminal allegations in federal and state courts.
“I fight for my clients when the stakes could not be higher.”
Jessica is known for her meticulous preparation, strategic judgment, and fearless advocacy in matters where a client's liberty, career, reputation, and future may be at stake. Her practice encompasses high-stakes investigations and prosecutions involving complex financial crimes, national security matters, cybercrime, violent offenses, drug conspiracies, public corruption, immigration-related offenses, and other serious criminal allegations.
Experience
Over the course of her career, Jessica has represented a wide range of clients, including prominent public figures, business leaders, federal law-enforcement personnel, military officers, foreign officials, professional athletes, and individuals facing significant government investigations and nationally publicized prosecutions.
Jessica has argued before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and brings experience from both the defense bar and federal criminal practice. Before founding Carmichael Ellis & Brock, she represented clients at the Federal Public Defender's Office and in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia. She also clerked for two federal judges in Norfolk, Virginia.
Her experience includes matters involving terrorism, espionage, money laundering, bribery, mortgage fraud, cybercrime, robbery, immigration fraud, unlawful reentry, assault, sex offenses, drug conspiracies, gang-related allegations, homicide, violent crime, and traffic offenses. Jessica has been recognized among the Washington, D.C. area's leading attorneys by Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Recognized among the Washington, D.C. area's leading attorneys by Washingtonian Magazine
- Recognized by Northern Virginia Magazine.
- Super Lawyers 2020–2026 for Criminal Defense / White Collar Crimes
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2016–2019
- National Trial Lawyers Association - Top 40 Under 40 (2015)
- Received multiple awards for oral advocacy while attending Boston College Law School
EDUCATION & BACKGROUND
- J.D. Boston College Law School
- B.A., Communications, University of Cincinnati
- Received multiple awards for oral advocacy during law school
- Participated in a clinic teaching legal concepts, including freedom of speech, to middle-school students
- Worked with the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Worked with the United States Department of State, including an assignment in the political and economic section of the U.S. Embassy in Manama, Bahrain
LEadership
IN THE COMMUNITY
- Active leader in the criminal defense community.
- Served with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, including through:
- Board service
- The Women in Criminal Defense Committee
- Leadership of the National Security Committee
- Involved with the Federal Bar Association and has served on the executive board of its Northern Virginia Chapter
- Volunteers as a judge for mock trial and moot court competitions and supports the development of future advocates
I had an unfortunate situation that was stuck in an investigation phase for months with little movement with one attorney. I decided to look for a more experienced and specialized attorney. Before I consulted with Jessica, I met and talked to two other attorneys. Those two attorneys quickly indicated how serious my case was, which unsettled me in a big way. Then they started boasting about their experience and tried to get me to sign a retainer on the spot. With Jessica, the experience was totally different. During our initial consultation, Jessica pointed out what things were in my favor, what challenges were ahead, and what plan she had to overcome the challenges.
I felt very comfortable with her during the consultation. Rather than pressuring me to sign a retainer, she even suggested me to consult with other attorneys to get a feel. After walking out of her office, I knew right away Jessica was the attorney for me. After the retainer agreement was signed, Jessica started working on my case right away. She talked to the prosecutor and gather information about the investigation. She responded very quickly when I had questions or concerns.
The investigation was completed in less than 2 weeks! It was a great relief for my family and me. I am very grateful for her service. She truly deserves A+ rating.