Georgina C. Verdugo

Senior Counsel

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Georgina C. Verdugo attorney based out of los Angeles California

Georgina Verdugo brings decades of legal and policy experience in civil rights, healthcare, education, and government affairs. Over her career, she has held senior leadership roles across federal agencies and the private sector, with a strong focus on compliance, regulatory policy, and public service.

Ms. Verdugo was appointed by the President to serve as Director of the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she led national enforcement of civil rights and healthcare privacy laws. She advised on major policy initiatives during the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and managed a national staff and multi-million-dollar budget.

Her experience includes serving as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice, Chief of Staff to a Member of Congress, and legal counsel to school districts, nonprofit organizations, and local governments. She has extensive expertise in HIPAA, ADA, Section 504, and other critical areas of federal law.

Ms. Verdugo has also served as an arbitrator with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and has been a trusted consultant and expert witness on legislative policy, civil rights compliance, and healthcare access.

She is known for her strategic insight, depth of experience, and lifelong commitment to equity and justice under the law.

Publications & Awards

  • “HIV/AIDS Legal Assessment Tool, Assessment Methodology Manual” American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, 2012; Advisory Team Member and Contributor

  • “Increasing Access to Healthcare for People with HIV: We Need Your Help” Georgina Verdugo, March 23, 2010, AIDS.gov; Cited in AIDS and the Law, David W. Webber, Aspen Publishers, 2011 Supplement, 4-48

  • “Affirmative Action and Contracting; the Final Years of the Clinton Administration” RIGHTS AT RISK: EQUALITY IN AN AGE OF TERRORISM Dianne M. Piché, William L. Taylor, and Robin A. Reed, editors, 2002

  • THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION COMPLETE AND EASY GUIDE TO HEALTH CARE LAW, Lehr, Masunaga, Moran, Noe, Sessions, Slaiman, Verdugo, Walker, Advisors, American Bar Association, 2001

 

Education

  • Harvard University (M.A. Public Administration)
  • University of London (Master of Laws Degree, International Business & Taxation)
  • University of San Francisco-School of Law (J.D.)
  • University of California, Los Angeles (B.A. Political Science)

 

Affiliations

  • Member, California State and Federal Bars

  • Hispanic National Bar Association

  • Member, Harvard College Admissions Committee

  • Advisor/Interviewer UCLA College Fellows Program

  • Advisor, UCLA Political Science Round Table

  • Member, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO)

  •  Former Council Member, Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section, American Bar Association

  •  Former Chair, Thurgood Marshall Award, American Bar Association

  •  Former Board Member, ABA  Division of Public Education

  •  Former Member, ABA President’s Special Committee on Gun Violence

  • Advisory Committee, National Latino Alliance for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

  • Former Member, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda;

  • Former Member, Executive Committee, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights

  •  Former Member, Citizen’s Advisory Committee, U. S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau.

  • Numerous appearances, commentaries and speaking engagements, including CNN, C-SPAN, CBS, NBC, ABC NEWS, UNIVISION, TELEMUNDO, Nickelodeon, The Today Show, other media outlets.

Published & Notable Cases

  • Mendoza v. State of California, 149 Cal. App.4th 1034 (2007) Successful representation of LAUSD challenging mayoral takeover of school district. Mayor denied control over LAUSD, affirmed on appeal.
  • S. Dept Health & Human Services v. Rhode Island Dept. of Human Services, Resolution agreement guaranteeing access for clients with limited English proficiency.
  • S. Dept Health & Human Services v. Washington State Dept. Social & Health Services, Settlement agreement to ensure that children in Washington State in need of welfare and protective services are not segregated by race, color, or national origin. 
  • S. Dept Health & Human Services v. Wisconsin Dept. of Children and Families, Settlement agreement enforcing Title VI, Civil Rights Act equal access to TANF.
  • U.S. Dept. Health & Human Services v. Georgia Dept. of Health, Statewide settlement providing Olmsted v. L.C. community living services for disabled.