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Sharmistha Das

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Areas of Focus

Overview

Sharmi Das’ experience at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Justice (DOJ), the White House, the U.S. Senate, and private practice positions her to guide clients through regulatory challenges, government-facing issues, and scrutiny from Congress and other oversight bodies. Sharmi has handled dozens of congressional inquiries and managed a program that developed hundreds of regulatory actions relating to homeland security matters, including technology, cybersecurity, contracts and grants, intelligence, health, and immigration. She participated in hundreds of policy discussions at the White House and DHS on high-profile issues that were often in the headlines, including domestic and international crises and emergencies. 

Sharmi brings over a decade of experience analyzing statutory and regulatory text to both challenge and defend agency actions in litigation. She uses her knowledge of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and federal rulemaking process to help clients shape regulatory authorities, comply with them, and challenge them. In both the executive and legislative branches, Sharmi crafted strategies to resolve inquiries from the Hill, other federal oversight bodies, and the public, often under immense public scrutiny.

Sharmi was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal by the Secretary of Homeland Security for exceptional service, the Department’s highest civilian honor. She was also recognized as an honorary Judge Advocate General by the U.S. Coast Guard. Sharmi values public service and maintains a diverse pro bono practice, including her time seconded to the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia.

Career & Education

    • Department of Homeland Security
      Deputy Chief of Staff, 2023–2025
    • Department of Homeland Security
      Deputy General Counsel, 2021–2023
    • Office of the Vice President
      White House, Associate Counsel, 2022–2023
    • Office of U.S. Senator Kamala Harris
      Senator Kamala Harris, Senior Counsel, 2019–2021
    • Department of Homeland Security
      Deputy Chief of Staff, 2023–2025
    • Department of Homeland Security
      Deputy General Counsel, 2021–2023
    • Office of the Vice President
      White House, Associate Counsel, 2022–2023
    • Office of U.S. Senator Kamala Harris
      Senator Kamala Harris, Senior Counsel, 2019–2021

    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2014
    • Yale University, B.A., political science with distinction, 2009
    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., cum laude, 2014
    • Yale University, B.A., political science with distinction, 2009

    • District of Columbia
    • New York
    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
    • District of Columbia
    • New York
    • Supreme Court of the United States
    • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

    • Law Clerk, Department of Justice, 2013
    • Law Clerk, Department of Justice, 2013

    • Bengali
    • French
    • Bengali
    • French

Sharmistha's Insights

Webinar | 12.10.25

Terminations, Stop Work Orders, and De-Scopes – The Latest Updates and Recovery Opportunities for USAID Contractors and Grant Recipients

In 2025, the U.S. Government’s policy statements and Executive Orders have had far-reaching impacts for government contractors and grant recipients. Although terminations, stop work orders, and de-scopes have affected private companies, non-profits, and universities doing business across multiple agencies, the U.S. Government’s policies relating to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused particular confusion and uncertainty relating to performance, compliance, and contractual procedure. Key questions have included the potential impacts of official and less formal communications from the U.S. Government, procedural issues arising from the move of certain functions to the U.S. Department of State, and the effect of various pending litigations. As businesses and organizations plan for 2026, the importance of preserving their rights and maximizing potential recovery opportunities remains paramount.

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Insights

Webinar | 12.10.25

Terminations, Stop Work Orders, and De-Scopes – The Latest Updates and Recovery Opportunities for USAID Contractors and Grant Recipients

Webinar | 11.21.25

Congressional Oversight: Focus on Democratic Investigative Priorities in 2026 and Beyond

Speaking Engagement | 11.21.25

"Congressional Oversight: Focus on Democratic Investigative Priorities in 2026 and Beyond," Crowell & Moring Webinar.

Publication | 11.14.25

Three Steps Tech Companies Can Take Today To Prepare To Ride A Blue Wave In 2026

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Practices

Industries

Sharmistha's Insights

Webinar | 12.10.25

Terminations, Stop Work Orders, and De-Scopes – The Latest Updates and Recovery Opportunities for USAID Contractors and Grant Recipients

In 2025, the U.S. Government’s policy statements and Executive Orders have had far-reaching impacts for government contractors and grant recipients. Although terminations, stop work orders, and de-scopes have affected private companies, non-profits, and universities doing business across multiple agencies, the U.S. Government’s policies relating to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has caused particular confusion and uncertainty relating to performance, compliance, and contractual procedure. Key questions have included the potential impacts of official and less formal communications from the U.S. Government, procedural issues arising from the move of certain functions to the U.S. Department of State, and the effect of various pending litigations. As businesses and organizations plan for 2026, the importance of preserving their rights and maximizing potential recovery opportunities remains paramount.

View All Insights