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Overview

Singleton focuses her practice on guiding clients through the intersection of business and government.

Clients – such as global businesses and trade associations – value Singleton’s extensive relationships and international development experience on Capitol Hill. She helps clients from multiple industry sectors – including international trade, transportation, energy and healthcare – navigate federal contracts, regulatory work and government affairs.

After helping draft legislation that created the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), a government agency that supports African-led community growth through the provision of seed capital and technical support, Singleton served for a decade as an advisory board member of USADF. In 1996, then President, Bill Clinton, appointed Singleton as General Counsel of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). During her five-year tenure, she was the chief legal advisor to 72 U.S. missions around the world. Singleton was also appointed by the governor as the Secretary to the Virginia State Board of Elections.

Singleton now enjoys lending her deep government experience and proven collaborative skills to assist clients seeking to resolve regulatory or public policy issues at the national level.

Industries

Services

Recognition

  • Women Inc., Most Influential Women Corporate Board Directors, 2023
  • Lawyers of Color, Top Lobbyists & Influencers, 2023
  • Savoy Magazine, Most Influential Black Lawyer, 2022
  • Savoy Magazine, Most Influential Black Corporate Directors, 2021
  • National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Directorship 100: Directors, 2019-2020
  • Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll, Honors, 2021; High Honors, 2018-2019, 2022
  • Secretary of the State Board of Elections for the Commonwealth of Virginia, 2015-2019
  • African American Managing Partners Network, African American Outside Counsel Recommendations, 2016
  • Directors & Boards Magazine, 2016 Directors to Watch
  • Savoy Magazine, Power 300: The Most Influential Black Corporate Directors, 2016
  • On Being a Black Lawyer magazine, "Top Black Lawyers with Influence," 2012; "Top Lobbyists and Influencers," 2014, 2020
  • University of Maryland Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Centennial Award, 2014
  • Washington Power Players, 2013  

Education

  • J.D., Howard University School of Law
  • B.A., University of Maryland

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Pennsylvania
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Compensation Committee Chair Advisory Council; and has served on the Blue Ribbon Commission
  • American Bar Association
  • Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Advisory Board, 1991
  • Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
  • District of Columbia Bar
  • Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Class of 2017
  • National Bar Association
  • National Women's Business Council (NWBC), Former Chair
  • National Academy of Public Administration, Fellow
  • Women in Government Relations, Past President
2023 Pro Bono Champion
Experience

Regulatory

  • Worked with nongovernmental organizations on regulatory matters that affect overseas work within U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • Assisted educational institutions with regulatory matters.

Public Policy

  • Worked on national healthcare reform legislation signed into public law.
  • Shaped procurement legislation affecting minority and disadvantaged populations.
Media Mentions | November 25, 2019
Hydrocarbon Engineering: Chart Appoints New Director
News Releases | September 11, 2019
Singleton McAllister Named a Top Lawyer and Influencer by Lawyers of Color

Lawyers of Color is devoted to promoting diversity in the legal profession and advancing democracy and equality in marginalized communities.

News Releases | August 04, 2016
Singleton B. McAllister Recognized By Two National Publications for Board Service

Singleton B. McAllister received honors from Savoy Magazine and Directors & Boards for her notable service to boards of directors.

Outside the Office

Singleton enjoys gardening and horseback riding.

Singleton tends vegetables, herbs and flowers and spends time with her family.

Community Leadership
  • Chart Industries, Board of Directors, Chairwoman
  • Howard University School of Law, Board of Visitors, 2017-present
  • University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2008-2012, 2022-present
  • University of Maryland, Board of Visitors, 2008-present; President's Cabinet, 2004-2007; Black Alumni Club
  • University of Maryland College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Board of Visitors, 2006-present
  • National Women's History Museum, Vice Chair, 2018-present
  • Global Rights, Board of Directors, 2001-2014
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Board Member, 2008-2014