Andrew P. Bakaj, Esq.

Chief Legal Counsel

Andrew P. Bakaj is a former U.S. intelligence officer and a preeminent expert on lawful whistleblowing. In oversight roles at the Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency, he has investigated fraud, waste, and abuse and written federal regulations prohibiting retaliation.

Mr. Bakaj was a lawful whistleblower at the CIA, experienced employment retaliation, and was ultimately vindicated through an investigation. He was also Whistleblower Aid’s first client. Working closely with Mr. Bakaj, the Whistleblower Aid team successfully blocked a presidential appointment of an individual who reprised against Mr. Bakaj and who, during their confirmation process, perjured themselves before Congress.

He served as lead counsel to the anonymous intelligence officer whose 2019 disclosures about Ukraine led to the first impeachment of President Trump—keeping them safe and in their job.

Mr. Bakaj is the founding and managing partner of Compass Rose Legal Group, PLLC and is the recipient of numerous professional accolades including the Department of Defense Career Achievement Award and being named “Investigator of the Year” for his work on chemical weapons storage. He was also named 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” by the Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association, along with Mark Zaid, and Washingtonian magazine recognized him as one of Washington’s top attorneys and one of Washington’s most influential people. 

Mr. Bakaj holds a bachelor’s degree from The George Washington University and a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.