Masha Hansford
Extensive experience advocating before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals. A former Assistant to the Solicitor General at the Department of Justice.
Masha has extensive experience advocating before the U.S. Supreme Court and federal courts of appeals, as well as litigating complex civil and criminal cases in federal and state courts across the country. Masha represents clients in complex and significant matters and brings strategic insight and persuasive advocacy to every case.
As an Assistant to the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice, Masha argued nine cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, prevailing in eight. Masha has briefed approximately 100 matters before the Supreme Court.
Masha also has played a significant role in formulating appellate strategy in federal courts of appeals on a wide range of issues, including bankruptcy, administrative law, criminal law and constitutional challenges.
In 2025, during her tenure at the Department of Justice, Masha received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service.
Recognition
Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service, 2025
National Law Journal – “D.C. Rising Star,” 2019
Lawdragon – 500 Leading Litigators in America, 2026
Education
- Best Oralist, Kirkwood Moot Court Competition
- President, Stanford Law Review
- summa cum laude
Clerkships
Prior experience
- Partner, Paul, Weiss, 2025-2026
- Assistant to the Solicitor General, U.S. Department of Justice, 2020-2025
- Counsel, Paul, Weiss, 2019-2020
- Associate, Williams & Connolly, 2013-2019
Qualifications and admissions
- District of Columbia