Army Judge Advocate, Former Army Defense Counsel, Former Special Victims’ Counsel, and Former Pepperdine Law Professor
Tori Votino has represented Soldiers facing investigations and administrative actions, advocated for victims of sexual assault, and taught future attorneys how to research, write, and present legal arguments. She brings that combination of military legal experience, careful analysis, and clear communication to her work at National Security Law Firm.
Through her service with Army Trial Defense Services at Fort Hood, Tori represented Soldiers who were the subjects of criminal and Inspector General investigations. She also prepared rebuttals, appeals, and submissions in administrative separation proceedings and nonjudicial punishment matters—helping service members respond when allegations threatened their careers and continued military service. Her military service has been recognized with the Army Achievement Medal.
Tori also served as a Special Victims’ Counsel, representing and advocating for victims of sexual assault. She continues to serve with the Army’s 75th Legal Operations Detachment, where her legal assistance work has included estate planning, divorce, and landlord-tenant matters affecting Soldiers and their families.
Her military experience is complemented by work within the federal judicial and prosecutorial systems. As a judicial extern for U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila in the Northern District of California, Tori conducted legal research and drafted judicial orders addressing habeas petitions and jurisdictional motions. As a law clerk with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, she analyzed discovery and drafted motions in cases involving violent crime, conspiracy, narcotics, and firearms.
Earlier in her career, Tori worked as an investigator with the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office, interviewing witnesses and defendants and preparing investigative reports in support of criminal defense cases. Together, these experiences inform her attention to the facts, the evidentiary record, and the arguments needed to present a client’s position effectively.
Before joining NSLF, Tori also held several teaching and leadership positions at Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, including Legal Research and Writing Professor, Director of Externships and Pro Bono Programs, and Assistant Director of Academic Success. She taught legal research and writing, guided students in appellate advocacy, and helped law graduates prepare for the bar examination. Her teaching background reinforces an essential part of client representation: explaining complicated issues clearly so clients understand their options and can make informed decisions.
Tori earned her Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, where she served as an associate editor of the Pepperdine Law Review and earned recognition for appellate advocacy, trial advocacy, leadership, and peacemaking. She received Order of Barristers recognition for both appellate and trial advocacy.
Jurisdictions Admitted: California and Texas.
Education: J.D., Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law; B.A., Politics, cum laude, University of California, Santa Cruz.