Episode 163 - Next Lawyer Up with Ron Sykstus featuring Retired DOD DOHA Security Clearance Judge Carol Ricciardello

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I have appeared before Judge Carol Ricciardello many times over the years for security clearance revocation hearings. She served for the last twenty years as an Administrative Judge with the Department of Defense (DOD) Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) where she heard and decided over 1,700 security clearance cases during her tenure. This was really the second job in her career, as she first served for over 20 years on active-duty with the United States Navy, rising to ultimately serve as the Chief Judge of the Navy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary covering and supervising all Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judges around the world. Carol retired from the U.S. Navy as a highly decorated 0-6 Captain.  I have always liked her spirit, and I found her to be very smart, thoughtful, and straight forward.  I have been waiting for her retirement in order to do this podcast with her to learn her story.  I hope you enjoy it!   PS. You may also like a podcast I did with one of Carol’s colleagues, retired DOD DOHA Judge Michael Leonard here.


Written by Ron Sykstus

Ron Sykstus

Ron Sykstus is a Managing Partner of several of the Bond & Botes Law Offices throughout Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona, Tucson, and a Juris Doctorate from the Northern Illinois University College of Law. Ron has served in numerous positions throughout the U.S. Army and now utilizes his expertise in the areas of VA issues, security clearances, military law, and bankruptcy to assist his clients when they need it most. Read his full bio here.

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