Lisa Thelwell
BABA '08, JD Law '12 | Washington, D.C.
TITLE: Trial Attorney
COMPANY: U.S. Department of Justice
INDUSTRY: Legal Services
Lisa began her legal career as an Assistant State Attorney serving the citizens of Miami-Dade County, where she prosecuted cases in the felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile divisions. After nearly four years of service, Lisa relocated to Tampa to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, where she was assigned to the Special Victims Section and served as the district’s Human Trafficking Coordinator. She currently serves as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section based in the nation’s capital.
Lisa is passionate about seeking the truth, serving as a voice for victims, and ensuring that justice prevails. Her desire is to be a catalyst for impact and change within the criminal justice system by zealously upholding the laws of this country while maintaining a spirit of honesty and integrity.
Having served as a prosecutor for the past 11 years, Lisa has conducted over 40 jury trials and numerous bench trials in state and federal court. In 2022, the Florida Attorney General named Lisa Florida’s human trafficking “Prosecutor of the Year”; and in 2019, the Florida Gang Investigators Association named Lisa “Gang Prosecutor of the Year”.
A proud double Gator, Lisa graduated cum laude from UF Levin College of Law, where she received a certificate in Criminal Justice, and from UF Warrington College of Business. In 2022, UF Law presented Lisa with the “Outstanding Young Alumnus” Award. Lisa is dedicated to giving back to communities that have given so much to her. She currently serves as the Membership Chair of the UF Law Alumni Council, VP of the National Black Prosecutors Association (NBPA) Foundation, VP of Communications of the NBPA, and is the Immediate Past President of the local Tampa Bay chapter. Lisa is a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. For fun, Lisa enjoys spending her time exploring her new DC community, boxing, and traveling.
RETURN TO HONOREE LIST