WASHINGTON, May 15, 2025 — Retired Rear Admiral James E. McPherson and former National Security Council legal adviser John B. Bellinger III will speak at an American Bar Association Standing Committee on Law and National Security luncheon from noon-1:30 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 28, at the Army and Navy Club in Washington, D.C.
The recent Trump administration dismissal of Judge Advocates Generals (JAGs) in the Army and Air Force has spawned concern about the future role of independent, nonpartisan military legal advice and adherence to the law of armed conflict.
The conversation will explore the importance of legal advice and the challenges raised by the recent firings of military lawyer personnel. McPherson is the 39th judge advocate general of the Navy and former general counsel and undersecretary to the Army. Bellinger is the former Department of State legal adviser and legal adviser to the National Security Council.
What:
Conversation with retired Rear Admiral James E. McPherson and former National Security Council legal adviser John B. Bellinger III
Sponsored by the ABA Standing Committee on Law and National Security
When:
Wednesday, May 28
Noon-1:30 p.m. EDT
Where:
The Army and Navy Club
901 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C.
This event is free and open to the media, however there is a $40 cost for lunch. For media credentialing and registration, please contact Betsy Adeboyejo at [email protected].
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