Emily Compagno (@realemilycompagno) | Co-Host, Attorney & Former NFL Cheerleader
In the modern landscape of legal expertise and television commentary, Emily Compagno has carved a niche for herself that spans both worlds with unparalleled grace and intelligence. Her journey from a practicing attorney to a recognized face on national television showcases a blend of dedication, skill, and charisma. Compagno’s ability to dissect complex legal and social issues with clarity and present them to the public in an accessible manner has made her a respected figure in both the legal community and the media industry. This unique intersection of careers highlights her multifaceted skills and the importance of her contributions to public discourse.
The following article provides an in-depth look at Emily Compagno‘s life, beginning with her early life and education, which set the foundation for her diverse career path. It then moves on to explore her professional journey, detailing her experiences and achievements in both the legal sector and as a television commentator. Alongside her career, the piece also sheds light on her personal life, offering insights into the person behind the public persona. By synthesizing these aspects, the article aims to paint a comprehensive picture of Compagno’s life, underscoring the significance of her work and the influence she wields as a prominent media and legal figure.
Emily Compagno Early Life and Education
Emily Compagno was born on November 9, 1979, at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in Oakland, California. Her father, John Compagno, of Italian descent from Sicily, was the director of the blood bank there. Raised in El Cerrito, California, Emily grew up with her two sisters, under the guidance of her parents, Katherine, of English, Bohemian, and German descent, and John.
Family Background
Emily’s upbringing in a culturally rich family environment, with her mother Katherine’s diverse European heritage and her father’s Sicilian roots, played a pivotal role in shaping her perspectives and values.
Emily Compagno Academic Achievements
She pursued her education at the University of Washington, earning a B.A. in political science. During her time there, she was recognized as the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps’ Cadet of the Quarter, although she did not complete ROTC training. Emily furthered her education at the University of San Francisco School of Law, graduating in 2006 with a Juris Doctor. She was actively involved in academic pursuits, serving as president of the Federalist Society and articles editor of the Intellectual Property Bulletin.
EmEmily Compagno Career
Emily Compagno’s career trajectory is marked by notable achievements across diverse fields. Initially, after passing the California bar, she worked as a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, simultaneously serving as captain of the Oakland Raiders cheerleading squad, the Raiderettes.
Her role extended beyond cheerleading as she was chosen as an NFL ambassador, promoting the brand internationally in Beijing and Shanghai and participating in a USO tour to visit U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait.
Legal Career
Compagno’s legal career includes serving as a Senior Judge Judicial Extern for John T. Noonan at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. She furthered her legal expertise as a federal attorney at the Social Security Administration and held legal positions in international locales such as Cape Town, South Africa, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her legal acumen spans various aspects, including regulatory, administrative, and criminal defense.
Fox News Career
In 2018, Emily transitioned to media, joining Fox News as a legal analyst and contributor. She co-hosted the talk show The Five and appeared on other programs like Gutfeld! By March 2020, she was hosting Crimes That Changed America on Fox Nation.
Her role expanded in 2021 when she became a co-host of Outnumbered and in 2023, she began hosting The FOX True Crime Podcast on Fox News Radio, further solidifying her presence in broadcasting.
Personal Life Of Emily Compano
Hobbies and Interests
Emily Compagno is an avid traveler, engaging in charitable activities during her travels, such as constructing clean wells and assisting orphans in Africa. She also exhibits a passion for auto racing, participating in the sport whenever possible. Additionally, Emily is a devoted pet owner, with a Doberman named Duchess, and actively participates in a baseball team known as the Smokers.
Philanthropy
Residing in New York City, Emily is deeply involved with several nonprofits focused on supporting U.S. veterans, law enforcement, and K9 units. Her commitment to philanthropy is evident through her participation in various community support initiatives, including feeding veterans in need and assisting in transporting military and first responder veterans to their final resting places. Her philanthropic efforts extend internationally, with mission trips to Uganda, Malawi, Zambia, and local missions in Mississippi, highlighting her dedication to using her platform for the betterment of others.
Conclusion
Through the detailed exploration of Emily Compagno’s vibrant journey, this article has showcased her unique blend of accomplishments, be it her insightful legal analyses on Fox News or her generous philanthropic outings that span the globe. Compagno’s life story, underlined by a commitment to excellence and a deep sense of humanity, reflects her multifaceted personality ranging from a legal expert and media presence to a compassionate humanitarian. Her diverse career pathway not only underscores her professional versatility but also her dedication to making a substantive impact, whether in front of the camera or in the heart of community service.
Emily Compagno’s narrative stands as a testament to the powerful impact of embracing one’s passions with dedication and integrity. Her ability to transcend traditional boundaries between the legal world and media, alongside her commitment to philanthropy, serves as an inspiration to many. As Compagno continues to explore new ventures and expand her influence, she reinforces the significance of leveraging one’s platform for the greater good. Her journey underscores the broader implications of persistence, empathy, and thoughtful engagement in one’s career and beyond, setting a compelling example for aspiring professionals everywhere.
FAQs
1. What is Emily Compagno’s current role on FOX News Channel?
Emily Compagno is currently a Co-Host on ‘Outnumbered’ on FOX News Channel. Alongside this, she also hosts the FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno on FOX News Audio.
2. Did Emily Compagno serve in the military?
While Emily Compagno was recognized with the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps’ Cadet of the Quarter Award during her time at the University of Washington, she did not complete ROTC training and therefore did not serve in the military.
3. Where did Emily Compagno complete her higher education?
Emily Compagno earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington. During her time there, she received the prestigious U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps’ Cadet of the Quarter Award.
4. Who is Emily Compagno married to?
Emily Compagno is married to Peter Riley, who is known for his work as a real estate agent. Previously, he worked as a data analyst. Peter Riley is recognized for being the spouse of the well-known attorney, TV host, and former NFL cheerleader, Emily Compagno.




