Michael Carrozzo
Assistant Chief Counsel
Department of Homeland Security
Santa Barbara, California
About Michael Carrozzo
Michael J. Carrozzo is an American attorney based in Santa Barbara, California. He currently serves as Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. In this role, he provides legal services on customs, criminal, and immigration law enforcement authorities, including matters involving the Federal Tort Claims Act, administrative law, contracts, fiscal issues, and employment law. He also represents the agency before the EEOC, the Department of Justice, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Carrozzo received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1989 and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1992. Earlier in his career, he worked in private practice and immigration law, managing large caseloads and litigating in the Central District of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has experience in civil litigation, family law, workers’ compensation, personal injury, and business matters.
From 2007 to 2014, Carrozzo served as a Deputy District Attorney IV in the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office. He prosecuted gang crimes, robberies, domestic violence, DUI, sexual offenses, fraud, and other felonies, and handled trials, motions, discovery, and appeals. He later served on the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, where he presided over criminal, infraction, and other matters and participated in court leadership and committee work.
Carrozzo is a former U.S. Army judge advocate who served on active duty and in the reserves. He has also taught law and legal subjects at several institutions, including Santa Barbara College of Law and Santa Barbara City College.
Areas of Focus
Career Background
U.S. Army Reserves, 22nd Legal Operations Detachment
Education
Media
Press
Awards & Recognition
U.S. Army medals (United States Army)
Veterans Treatment Court awards (U.S. Congressman and state legislator)
Licenses & Certifications
Admission to practice before the United States Supreme Court (Supreme Court of the United States)
Admission to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit)
Admission to practice before the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Admission to the State Bar of California
California Real Estate Broker License (State of California)
Charities & Volunteering
Santa Barbara High School, Mock Trial Coach, 2010 to 2014
Loma Linda VA, Veterans Research Legal Consultant, 2009 to 2014
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Law Clerk, 1990
Office of Congressman Carlos Moorhead, Congressional Intern, 1989
Office of Senator Pete Wilson, Legislative Affairs Intern, 1987
Boards & Memberships
California State Bar Association, member
California Judges Association, member
California District Attorneys’ Association, member
California Narcotics Officers’ Association, member
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michael Carrozzo do?
Michael Carrozzo is an attorney who currently serves as Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. He provides legal services on customs, criminal, and immigration law enforcement matters, and represents the agency before the EEOC, the Department of Justice, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
What is Michael Carrozzo known for?
Carrozzo has had a varied legal career spanning private immigration practice, prosecution as a Deputy District Attorney in Santa Barbara County, service as a judge on the Superior Court of California, and service as a U.S. Army judge advocate. He has also been featured in press coverage discussing leadership and service.
Where is Michael Carrozzo based?
Michael Carrozzo is based in Santa Barbara, California.
Where did Michael Carrozzo study?
Carrozzo earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1989 and a Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1992.
Who does Michael Carrozzo work for?
Michael Carrozzo works for the Department of Homeland Security, in the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
Last updated February 20, 2026