C. Michael Layne, J.D.

Military Professor Stockton Center for International Law
Cmdr., U.S. Navy
C. Michael Layne faculty photo

Biography

Cmdr. Layne commissioned into the Navy through the Judge Advocate General’s Corps’ Student Program after graduating from Vanderbilt Law School in 2004. His career includes assignments as a staff judge advocate, in criminal defense, and at the Navy’s Office of the Judge Advocate General. Most recently, Cmdr. Layne served as the deputy staff judge advocate for U.S. European Command and before that as the staff judge advocate for Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

Areas of Expertise

  • International Law
  • Rules of Engagement
  • UNCLOS

Professional Highlights

2022

Director for Maritime Operations

Began position as Director for Maritime Operations at the Stockton Center for International Law.
2019

Deputy Staff Judge Advocate, U.S. European Command

Served as the Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, leading 21-person staff in providing all-domain legal support across 4-star geographic combatant command.
2017

Staff Judge Advocate, Task Force 51 / 5th MEB

Served as primary legal advisor to the Commanding General responsible for contingency, maritime security, and crisis response in the U.S. FIFTH Fleet area of operations.

Education

J.D., Vanderbilt University, 2004

M.A., U.S. Naval War College, 2019, National Security and Strategic Studies

B.S., University of Tennessee, 2001, Finance

Research Contributions and Publications

Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.