Leslie Schmidt

Background

About Leslie Schmidt

A national security law specialist, experienced in applying the full spectrum of law to United States military operations and administration overseas. Skilled at problem solving, conveying complicated legal concepts to a wide variety of audiences, and leading teams of legal professionals. Command Legal Advisor – Provided effective and accurate legal advice to multiple US and multinational commands across all core disciplines of military legal practice. Primary legal advisor to general officer-level command and joint headquarters staff. Extensive support to high-profile criminal and administrative investigations. Advised on joint personnel issues, including military, civilian, and contractors. Trained, developed, mentored, and led legal professionals, generating teams that were knowledgeable, resilient, and responsive to the requirements of the command. International Law – Served in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe 5+ years. Determined US obligations under relevant treaties/other agreements to coordinate criminal jurisdiction, customs and border protection, basing, and mutual defense obligations. Liaised frequently with interagency and partner nation counterparts to ensure consistent legal interpretation was achieved. Served combined Republic of Korea and US special operations staff, resolving cutting-edge legal issues in real world operations and military exercise settings, and contributing to the security of the peninsula. Operational Law – Advised targeting cell based in Baghdad on lawfulness of proposed strikes during combat operations in Iraq, resulting in zero reports of civilian casualties or violations of the law of armed conflict over three months of robust targeting. Performed similar role in operational exercise scenarios in Europe, Africa, and South Korea. Effectively trained warfighters, staffs, and international partners in rules of engagement, law of armed conflict, reporting of war crimes, treatment of detainees, and other key operational law topics supporting and developing a stronger force and alliances that protects and respects human rights. Ethics and Fiscal Law – Served as ethics counselor in multiple commands, managing financial disclosures, advising on gifts, interactions with non-federal entities, and use of government resources. Additionally advised on contract and fiscal law to ensure the prudent and lawful expenditure of funds.