Atty. Margaret Thomson, McLean, Fairfax County, Virginia, USA

Summary

Experienced Federal legislative and regulatory attorney with over 20 years of Executive Agency, Congressional, and OMB experience.

Education

Georgetown University Law Center

J.D. (1983) | Legislative, Regulatory, Administrative, Energy, International

1979 - 1983

The Georgetown Evening law program for career professionals is four years, not three. During law school, I worked full time, first as the principal staff person for the House Agricultural Committee on Forestry, and then as a law clerk for local firms with a legislative or regulatory practice in environmental and energy law. After graduating from Georgetown Law, I returned to Congress as a Tax Legislative Assistant for a member of the Senate Committee on Finance. I met my husband, registered as a lobbyist, and after becoming a new mother, re-entered Federal civil service at OMB and the Department of Energy. I retired from Federal service after 25 years, and have been a member of the DC bar for over 30. In addition to my law degree, I earned a Masters in Land Use Planning from the University of Washington in Seattle, was adjudicated as a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and invited to become an Associate member of the Society of American Foresters.

Honors: Entered law school while serving as a the principal staff for the House Agriculture Committee on Forestry

Activities: Inspired Congressional staff organization to support candidates for elective office; served as the principal Staff of the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Forestry, and as a law clerk for law firms with a legislative and regulatory practice.

University of Washington, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Seattle

Masters in Urban Planning (1974) | Urban Design and Environmental Law

1971 - 1974

During preparation for the two university-wide career fairs, my supervisor became deathly ill and was hospitalized; I completed the recruitment of employers for the two fairs, and made all arrangements with the university -- and with Seattle press -- to accomplish two successful events that became prototypes for equally successful subsequent events that were later combined into one career fair for all minorities. Now I enjoy telling stories about the days when there were not one but TWO career fairs -- one for women and one for minorities. The oral of this story is -- bring donuts! And they will come.

Honors: Teaching Assistant

Activities: Graduate Student Manager for first UW Career Fair for Women and for Minorities; Edited revision of the Student Handbook for the Office of International Studies

Experience

34 years of experience