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Trini E. Ross

Partner

As the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, Trini brings over 30 years of deep insight into the inner workings of government investigations—understanding not just the how, but the why. She approaches each matter with a wide lens, always considering the broader implications for her clients and the legal landscape.

Trini is known for her calming demeanor and ability to ask the right questions—often the difficult ones—and for challenging assumptions to uncover new angles and opportunities. When the path forward isn’t obvious, she’s adept at thinking outside the box to craft innovative, strategic solutions.

With tenacity and strategic judgment, Trini defends clients facing federal and state investigations. She represents both companies and individuals in matters involving internal and government investigations. Drawing on her decades of experience engaging with high-level law enforcement agencies, Trini excels at bringing parties to the table, fostering effective communication even in the face of intense emotions and divergent perspectives.

Trini’s government experience includes litigating cases and appeals before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. She is adept at handling high-level and complex investigations on a multitude of issues, including those which are sensitive in nature.

Drawing on her experience leading more than 100 attorneys and staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, Trini excels at managing complex case operations, streamlining workflows and maintaining the highest standards of performance.

As U.S. Attorney, Trini was selected to be a member of the Attorney General Advisory Committee, a small group of U.S. Attorneys who worked with the Attorney General to advise on Department of Justice policies, regulations, and initiatives. Trini was also selected to Chair the subcommittee on Law Enforcement, Victim’s Rights, and Community Outreach, and she was a member of the White Collar, National Security, Border Security, and Civil Rights subcommittees.

In addition to her role as a U.S. Attorney, Trini has served as:

  • Director of the Office of Investigations, Legal Division, for the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Western District of New York, where she held leadership roles as the Deputy Chief of the White Collar and General Crimes Section, Chief of the Antifraud and Corruption Section, and Senior Litigation Counsel
  • Assistant Counsel in the Office of Professional Responsibility with the Department of Justice

She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Dean’s Advisory Counsel, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
  • WDNY / 8th Judicial District Committee on Jury Diversification
  • Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Harvard Kennedy School, Senior Executive Fellows Program, 2020 Cohort
  • Lifetime Member, NAACP
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County
  • Member, Minority Bar Association of WNY
  • Member, Women’s Bar Association, WNY Chapter

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Honoree, 2026 Buffalo Law Review Annual Dinner, University at Buffalo School of Law
  • Recipient, Kay Crawford Murray Award, New York State Bar Association, 2025
  • Recipient, Arc Bender’s Award, Arc of Justice, 2025
  • Recipient, City of Buffalo Women’s History Award, 2024
  • Named to the City and State “Upstate Power 100” list, 2022-2024
  • Named to the Buffalo Business First, “Power 200 Women” list, 2022-2024
  • Named to the Buffalo Business First, “Power 100 Leaders of Color” list, 2023, 2024
  • Named to the Rochester Business Journal, “Power 50 Law” list, 2023, 2024
  • Named to the City and State Law “Power 100” list, 2022, 2023
  • Named 2022 “Lawyer of the Year,” Bar Association of Erie County
  • Recipient, 2022, Trailblazer Award, Minority Bar Association of Western New York
  • Recipient, 2022 Judge Samuel Green Award, Black Achieves
  • Recipient, 2022 Woman of Distinction Designation, New York State Senate
  • Named to the City and State, Western New York Power 100 list, 2021
  • Recipient, SUNY Buffalo Law School Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service, 2016

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “When ICE Comes Knocking: Employer Responsibilities and Risk Management,” Association of Corporate Counsel, Central & Western NY Chapter, June 11, 2026
  • Panelist, “360º Wellness for Women,” Buffalo Business First 2026 Women’s Wellness Summit, June 2, 2026
  • Presenter, “Civility and Ethical Lawyering—a Strength Not a Weakness,” Harter Secrest & Emery Specialty CLE Summit, May 7, 2026
  • Panelist, “With Conviction: Tried and True Oral Advocacy Techniques from Leading Trial Lawyers,” American Bar Association 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference, February 13, 2026
  • Speaker, “Resilience in the Face of Adversity on the Stand,” Annual Fraud Training Conference, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Albany Chapter, November 25, 2025
  • Panelist, Ad Idem Network, “Navigating DEI – Pitfalls and Risks Unique to Publicly Traded Companies and Government Contractors”, October 20, 2025
  • Presenter, ACFE Annual Global Fraud Conference, June 2025
  • Presenter, Annual Charlotte E. Ray Lecture and White Collar Crime Conference, 2025
  • Speaker, WNY Women’s Foundation Annual Leadership Summit, 2025
  • Guest Speaker, United States Naturalization Ceremony, 2025
  • Speaker, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center, 2025
  • Speaker, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service District Conference, 2024
  • Commencement Speaker, The University of New York, Buffalo Law School, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police (NYSACOP) Conference, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, Department of Justice, Victims’ Rights Coordinator Conference, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, National Conference of the National Federation of Just Communities, 2024
  • Speaker, The Rotary Club of Buffalo, 2024
  • Speaker, VA National Pride Month, 2024
  • Speaker, UB Law School Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Crime Victims’ Right Act, 2024
  • Speaker, Canadian-American Law Enforcement Organization, 2023, 2024
  • Presenter, Annual United States Attorney’s Conference, 2023, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker and Presenter, Southern States Victim Witness Conference, 2023
  • Presenter, National Bar Association Conference, 2023
  • Speaker, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys Black History Month Program, 2023
  • Speaker, Department of Homeland Security (WNY Region) Women History Month, 2023
  • Speaker, Robert H. Jackson Center, Ladies of Legend, 2023
  • Presenter, National Black Prosecutors’ Association Conference, 2022, 2023
  • Keynote Speaker, Erie County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Buffalo State College MLK/Black History Month celebration, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Buffalo FBI Black History Celebration, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Leadership Buffalo, 2022
  • Commencement Speaker, State University of New York College at Fredonia, 2022

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York
  • Connecticut (Inactive)
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • Second Circuit Court of Appeals (Inactive)

CLERKSHIP

  • New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 4th Department

EDUCATION

  • State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Rutgers University, M.A., Criminal Justice
  • State University of New York College at Fredonia, B.A.

As the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of New York, Trini brings over 30 years of deep insight into the inner workings of government investigations—understanding not just the how, but the why. She approaches each matter with a wide lens, always considering the broader implications for her clients and the legal landscape.

Trini is known for her calming demeanor and ability to ask the right questions—often the difficult ones—and for challenging assumptions to uncover new angles and opportunities. When the path forward isn’t obvious, she’s adept at thinking outside the box to craft innovative, strategic solutions.

With tenacity and strategic judgment, Trini defends clients facing federal and state investigations. She represents both companies and individuals in matters involving internal and government investigations. Drawing on her decades of experience engaging with high-level law enforcement agencies, Trini excels at bringing parties to the table, fostering effective communication even in the face of intense emotions and divergent perspectives.

Trini’s government experience includes litigating cases and appeals before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. She is adept at handling high-level and complex investigations on a multitude of issues, including those which are sensitive in nature.

Drawing on her experience leading more than 100 attorneys and staff at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, Trini excels at managing complex case operations, streamlining workflows and maintaining the highest standards of performance.

As U.S. Attorney, Trini was selected to be a member of the Attorney General Advisory Committee, a small group of U.S. Attorneys who worked with the Attorney General to advise on Department of Justice policies, regulations, and initiatives. Trini was also selected to Chair the subcommittee on Law Enforcement, Victim’s Rights, and Community Outreach, and she was a member of the White Collar, National Security, Border Security, and Civil Rights subcommittees.

In addition to her role as a U.S. Attorney, Trini has served as:

  • Director of the Office of Investigations, Legal Division, for the National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General
  • Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Western District of New York, where she held leadership roles as the Deputy Chief of the White Collar and General Crimes Section, Chief of the Antifraud and Corruption Section, and Senior Litigation Counsel
  • Assistant Counsel in the Office of Professional Responsibility with the Department of Justice

She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

  • Dean’s Advisory Counsel, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
  • WDNY / 8th Judicial District Committee on Jury Diversification
  • Member, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
  • Harvard Kennedy School, Senior Executive Fellows Program, 2020 Cohort
  • Lifetime Member, NAACP
  • Member, American Bar Association
  • Member, Bar Association of Erie County
  • Member, Minority Bar Association of WNY
  • Member, Women’s Bar Association, WNY Chapter

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Honoree, 2026 Buffalo Law Review Annual Dinner, University at Buffalo School of Law
  • Recipient, Kay Crawford Murray Award, New York State Bar Association, 2025
  • Recipient, Arc Bender’s Award, Arc of Justice, 2025
  • Recipient, City of Buffalo Women’s History Award, 2024
  • Named to the City and State “Upstate Power 100” list, 2022-2024
  • Named to the Buffalo Business First, “Power 200 Women” list, 2022-2024
  • Named to the Buffalo Business First, “Power 100 Leaders of Color” list, 2023, 2024
  • Named to the Rochester Business Journal, “Power 50 Law” list, 2023, 2024
  • Named to the City and State Law “Power 100” list, 2022, 2023
  • Named 2022 “Lawyer of the Year,” Bar Association of Erie County
  • Recipient, 2022, Trailblazer Award, Minority Bar Association of Western New York
  • Recipient, 2022 Judge Samuel Green Award, Black Achieves
  • Recipient, 2022 Woman of Distinction Designation, New York State Senate
  • Named to the City and State, Western New York Power 100 list, 2021
  • Recipient, SUNY Buffalo Law School Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service, 2016

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “When ICE Comes Knocking: Employer Responsibilities and Risk Management,” Association of Corporate Counsel, Central & Western NY Chapter, June 11, 2026
  • Panelist, “360º Wellness for Women,” Buffalo Business First 2026 Women’s Wellness Summit, June 2, 2026
  • Presenter, “Civility and Ethical Lawyering—a Strength Not a Weakness,” Harter Secrest & Emery Specialty CLE Summit, May 7, 2026
  • Panelist, “With Conviction: Tried and True Oral Advocacy Techniques from Leading Trial Lawyers,” American Bar Association 2026 Women in Litigation CLE Conference, February 13, 2026
  • Speaker, “Resilience in the Face of Adversity on the Stand,” Annual Fraud Training Conference, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Albany Chapter, November 25, 2025
  • Panelist, Ad Idem Network, “Navigating DEI – Pitfalls and Risks Unique to Publicly Traded Companies and Government Contractors”, October 20, 2025
  • Presenter, ACFE Annual Global Fraud Conference, June 2025
  • Presenter, Annual Charlotte E. Ray Lecture and White Collar Crime Conference, 2025
  • Speaker, WNY Women’s Foundation Annual Leadership Summit, 2025
  • Guest Speaker, United States Naturalization Ceremony, 2025
  • Speaker, National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center, 2025
  • Speaker, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service District Conference, 2024
  • Commencement Speaker, The University of New York, Buffalo Law School, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, New York State Association of Chiefs of Police (NYSACOP) Conference, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, Department of Justice, Victims’ Rights Coordinator Conference, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker, National Conference of the National Federation of Just Communities, 2024
  • Speaker, The Rotary Club of Buffalo, 2024
  • Speaker, VA National Pride Month, 2024
  • Speaker, UB Law School Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of Crime Victims’ Right Act, 2024
  • Speaker, Canadian-American Law Enforcement Organization, 2023, 2024
  • Presenter, Annual United States Attorney’s Conference, 2023, 2024
  • Keynote Speaker and Presenter, Southern States Victim Witness Conference, 2023
  • Presenter, National Bar Association Conference, 2023
  • Speaker, Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys Black History Month Program, 2023
  • Speaker, Department of Homeland Security (WNY Region) Women History Month, 2023
  • Speaker, Robert H. Jackson Center, Ladies of Legend, 2023
  • Presenter, National Black Prosecutors’ Association Conference, 2022, 2023
  • Keynote Speaker, Erie County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Buffalo State College MLK/Black History Month celebration, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Buffalo FBI Black History Celebration, 2022
  • Keynote Speaker, Leadership Buffalo, 2022
  • Commencement Speaker, State University of New York College at Fredonia, 2022

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York
  • Connecticut (Inactive)
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • Second Circuit Court of Appeals (Inactive)

CLERKSHIP

  • New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 4th Department

EDUCATION

  • State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Law, J.D., cum laude
  • Rutgers University, M.A., Criminal Justice
  • State University of New York College at Fredonia, B.A.

Trini E. Ross_WebReady
Trini E. Ross