Paul B. Stephan of UVA Law has been appointed special counsel to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Defense.  

General Counsel Paul C. Ney Jr. serves as chief legal officer for the Pentagon and director of the Defense Legal Services Agency, which provides legal advice and services for the defense agencies, field activities, and other organizations. Professor Stephan’s role will be to assist Mr. Ney and the general counsel’s office however he can. During his time in this role he will be on leave from UVA Law for one year.  

“As a legal academic, I have lived a ridiculously rewarding life, surrounded by students and colleagues who inspire me and living in a part of the country that I truly love,” said Professor Stephan, who accepted the appointment before the COVID-19 pandemic. “I feel an obligation to give something back.” 

Professor Stephan is an expert on international business, international dispute resolution and comparative law, with an emphasis on Soviet and post-Soviet legal systems. He served as the Coordinating Reporter for Restatement of the Law Fourth, Foreign Relations Law of the United States and Reporter for Restatement of the Law Fourth, Foreign Relations Law – Jurisdiction.  

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