Deputy Judge Advocate General Nomination

 Please join us in congratulating Rear Admiral Christopher C. French, on his nomination by the President to serve as Deputy Judge Advocate General of the Navy, and for his appointment to the grade of Rear Admiral (Upper Half). Admiral French is an outstanding naval officer and a widely respected and accomplished legal practitioner. Throughout his distinguished and decorated career – as a member of both the profession of law and the profession of arms – Admiral French has exemplified our core values of honor, courage, and commitment.

Admiral French was born in Albany, N.Y. and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1990. He was commissioned through the JAG Corps Student Program in 1992 and graduated in 1993 from the Villanova University School of Law. He later earned a Master of Laws from Georgetown University Law Center in 2004.

Admiral French began his legal career as Trial Counsel and later as Senior Defense Counsel at Naval Legal Service Office Middle Pacific located in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

At sea, Admiral French served as the Fleet Judge Advocate to Commander, U.S. SEVENTH Fleet; Staff Judge Advocate to Commander, Carrier Strike Group FIVE; and Legal Officer, aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68).
Admiral French’s other assignments include serving as Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. European Command; Deputy Legal Advisor to the National Security Council; Special Counsel to the Chief of Naval Operations; and Commanding Officer, Region Legal Service Office Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. He also completed tours as Chief of Operational Law, Multi-National Forces, Iraq; Deputy Legal Counsel, Office of the Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Assistant Force Judge Advocate, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; and Staff Judge Advocate, Naval Special Warfare Development Group.

In May 2018, Admiral French was selected for appointment to the grade of Rear Admiral (Lower Half) and as Legal Counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. While fulfilling this role during the past three years, he has provided sound and steady legal counsel in an incredibly fast-paced and high-stakes environment. 

Admiral French’s unparalleled knowledge, experience, and work ethic will serve him well as Deputy Judge Advocate General, and he promises to be an inspirational and innovative JAG community leader. Congratulations to Admiral French!