People
With decades of investigative experience in the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as in private practice, Eleanor Hill focuses on congressional and Inspector General investigations, internal investigations, compliance, crisis management and issues related to national security. A partner in our Government Advocacy practice and leader of our National Security, Defense Industry and Intelligence team, Eleanor has represented clients in financial services, defense, telecommunications, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and many other industries.
Eleanor has extensive experience in high-level government positions. As Staff Director for the House and Senate Intelligence Committees’ Joint Inquiry on the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, she led the bipartisan investigation that reviewed all relevant U.S. intelligence and first uncovered missed opportunities in pre-9/11 counterterrorist efforts.
Previously, Eleanor was appointed by President Clinton to be Inspector General to the Department of Defense. In that role, she directed audits, criminal and administrative investigations, and investigative policy throughout the Department. A leader in the inspector general community, Eleanor served as vice-chair of the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency, co-chair of the Intelligence Community Inspectors General Forum and a member of the Attorney General’s Council on White Collar Crime.
As Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate's Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Eleanor led numerous domestic and international congressional investigations. She also served as Liaison Counsel for the Senate Select Committee responsible for the Iran-Contra investigation. Having spent nearly 17 years conducting congressional investigations, she now uses that experience to assist clients facing high-profile and high-risk congressional inquiries.
Eleanor is also an experienced federal prosecutor and trial lawyer. Serving both as an Assistant United States Attorney and as a Special Attorney with the Organized Crime Section of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), she has substantial grand jury, trial and appellate experience. She speaks frequently on topics relating to congressional and government investigations, national security, intelligence policy and counterterrorism.
Eleanor has been listed in the 2013 Best Lawyers in America guide for Government Relations. In 2004, she was inducted into the “Academy of Women Achievers,” a distinguished group of the country's most prominent women recognized for their outstanding professional accomplishments, by the YWCA of the City of New York. She was also awarded the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal by Secretary William Perry, and the Bronze Palm of the Distinguished Public Service Medal by Secretary William Cohen.
J.D., Florida State University College of Law, with high honors
B.S., Florida State University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
District of Columbia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
August 21, 2020
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 128 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2021 Guide
August 16, 2019
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 115 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2020 Guide
Represented a major defense contractor in connection with government investigations of performance issues pursuant to Iraq reconstruction contracts.
Represented a global financial institution in an investigation and hearing by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding offshore tax issues.
Represented a Big Four accounting firm in an investigation and hearing by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding offshore profits and corporate tax issues.
See more
February 9, 2016
Washington Insight - February 9, 2016
August 27, 2015
Defense Department Issues Interim Rule Requiring Contractor and Subcontractor Reporting of Cyber Incidents
February 17, 2015
A Look At The Gov't Plan To Combat Wildlife Trafficking
August 21, 2020
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 128 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2021 Guide
August 16, 2019
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 115 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2020 Guide
Represented a major defense contractor in connection with government investigations of performance issues pursuant to Iraq reconstruction contracts.
Represented a global financial institution in an investigation and hearing by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding offshore tax issues.
Represented a Big Four accounting firm in an investigation and hearing by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding offshore profits and corporate tax issues.
See more
February 9, 2016
Washington Insight - February 9, 2016
August 27, 2015
Defense Department Issues Interim Rule Requiring Contractor and Subcontractor Reporting of Cyber Incidents
February 17, 2015
A Look At The Gov't Plan To Combat Wildlife Trafficking
August 21, 2020
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 128 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2021 Guide
August 16, 2019
The Best Lawyers in America Recognizes 115 King & Spalding Lawyers in its 2020 Guide
J.D., Florida State University College of Law, with high honors
B.S., Florida State University, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
District of Columbia
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit