Charleston School of Law adjunct professor CDR Graham E. Lanz was recently awarded the Outstanding Military Service Career Judge Advocate Award. The American Bar Association (ABA) honor recognizes excellence in service to the legal profession in the Armed Forces over the nominee’s legal career, as well as service to their community.
CDR Lanz teaches Military Law at Charleston School of Law while serving as a mentor for students. He has also played a key role in establishing the Charleston Law/U.S. Coast Guard Judge Advocate General court-martial mock trial competition for law students.
In March, Charleston Law partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard to host Charleston Court-Martial Challenge, attracting eight law schools from seven states (South Carolina, Alabama, Nevada, Florida, New York, Texas, North Carolina) and Washington, D.C. Over the course of three days, 32 student-advocates argued 19 trials before more than 30 J.A.G. Officers from four military branches (U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army).
“Commander Lanz’s collaboration with Charleston Law’s Center for Trial Advocacy and the Trial Advocacy Board has been tremendously valuable to our programs and students,” added Charleston Law professor and Director of the Center for Trial Advocacy Suzanne Chapman. “We are grateful for his partnership and unwavering commitment to advancing advocacy education, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on this outstanding achievement.”
“Commander Graham Lanz has played a valuable role in preparing Charleston Law students for post-graduate opportunities,” said Charleston School of Law interim Dean Jon Marcantel. “Both in and out of the classroom, he and the entire team involved in the U.S. Coast Guard JAG program have opened new doors for students. We are thankful for his support of the Law School.”
Since the Spring 2024, nine students have served as student externs with the U.S. Coast Guard JAG with four May 2025 graduates receiving commissions.
“On behalf of the entire leadership and staff in Career Services we congratulate CDR Lanz on this much-deserved honor,” said Megan White, Assistant Dean of Career Services & Director of Judicial Clerkships. “Our partnership with the JAG Corps results in countless opportunities for students to learn more about using their legal knowledge to serve our country. It is inspiring to watch our graduates learn, lead, and grow while serving in the military.”
The U.S. Coast Guard Judge Advocate General commended CDR Lanz for his commitment to service in his local community including service opportunities with the Christ Episcopal Church choir, Wando Orchestra Boosters, Coach (youth soccer and baseball) and the Lowcountry Girl Scouts (serving alongside his two daughters).
Lanz, who currently serves as Pre-Litigation Division Chief at the Office of the Prosecutor, oversees the investigative phase of the Coast Guard’s most serious victim-centric crimes. Prior to his current role, he served as the Executive Officer of the Coast Guard’s Maritime Law Enforcement Academy from 2022-24.
CDR Lanz also served as a staff attorney, prosecutor, and Special Victims Counsel in Norfolk, VA, New London, CT, and Juneau, AK.
Charleston Law is committed to nurturing the well-being and success of our students. Lawyers Helping Lawyers clinician Briana Suhr will be on campus each Tuesday from 10am–4pm.
Charleston Law will host the Army JAG program for informational interviews to learn more about the JAG program.
Charleston School of Law will be in attendance for the Fall 2025 University of Mississippi | Career and Grad School Fair.