Tara K. McGrath
- San Diego
- Washington, D.C.
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Tara is a tactical litigator and decisive leader, recognized for exceptional insight, dedication to justice, and an innovative approach to problem-solving.
Tara McGrath brings decades of experience in strategic legal counsel, including sophisticated federal prosecutions, complex investigations, civil defensive matters, and crisis management. Tara has first-chair and oversight trial experience in cases ranging from racketeering and violent crime to complex fraud. She has personally run scores of federal investigations and argued several times before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
In her prior role as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, Tara led the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the investigation and prosecution of white-collar and financial crimes, including Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations, organized crime, cyber intrusions and offenses, environmental infractions, national security matters, and civil fraud in Southern California. She was an inaugural member of the reconvened Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee, an interagency effort to combat violent extremism and cyber threats. She also served on the Attorney General's Advisory Subcommittees on Terrorism and National Security, Border and Immigration, and Environmental Justice.
Previously, Tara worked for DOJ for more than a decade in San Diego and Washington, D.C., as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and trial attorney. She is also dedicated to public service, having served on active duty in the U.S. Marines, and held leadership roles in community organizations, business associations, and educational institutions.
Areas of focus
Education & Credentials
Education
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
- Boston College, B.A., Political Science, cum laude
Bar and Court Admissions
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California
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Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
Professional Recognition
DoD Civilian Service Award, 2022
Coalition for Women’s Appointments, 2021
DOJ National Director’s Award, 2016
DOJ Office of Enforcement Operations Accomplishment Award, 2016
SDCA U.S. Attorney’s Accomplishment Award, 2014
California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training, Investigative Excellence Award, 2014
Southern District of CA Nominee for National DOJ Awards: Outstanding Supervisor, 2014; Superior Litigation, 2013
Impact
Professional Leadership
- Federal Bar Association, San Diego Chapter, Member
- Lawyer’s Club of San Diego, Member
- Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association, Member
- South Asian Bar Association, Member
- San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association, Member
- National District Attorney’s Association, Member
Community Involvement
- Rotary International, Member
- Unified School District, Community Volunteer
- Girl Scouts of America, Community Volunteer
- Brother Benno Center, Community Volunteer
