World-leading international law expert takes up post at Exeter Law School

Professor Schmitt is one of the leading international experts in the law of armed conflict. He has been a member of Exeter Law School for over two years. His appointment to a full-time position will reinforce the School’s research and teaching expertise in the field of public international law.

Professor Schmitt will bring an extraordinary combination of experience, academic excellence and leadership to his new role at Exeter. Before joining Exeter Law School, Professor Schmitt has been the Charles H. Stockton Professor and Director of the Stockton Center for the Study of International Law at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He is the Francis Lieber Distinguished Scholar at the Lieber Institute of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Fellow at Harvard Law School’s Program on International Law and Armed Conflict, and Senior Fellow at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence.

Richard Edwards, Head of Exeter Law School, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Mike has chosen to join Exeter Law School. Indeed, we are thrilled that this world renowned legal authority, famous for his work on the Tallinn Manual, has chosen Exeter as his new home. Mike will now be able to bring his great energy and creativity fully to bear on our activities. We are all looking forward to working with Mike.”

A prolific writer, Professor Schmitt is the author of more than 150 articles and books in the field of international law and security. He has held visiting appointments at Melbourne University, Australian National University and Yale Law School. He also serves on the boards of many professional societies, institutions and journals.

Before commencing his academic career, Professor Schmitt served for twenty years in the United States Air Force as a judge advocate specialising in operational and international law. His military service includes deployments to Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Northern Watch.  

At Exeter, Professor Schmitt will join a talented team of fellow international lawyers. The Law School has substantial expertise across many branches of international law, including international human rights law, refugee law and the law of armed conflict. Staff specialising in these areas regularly work with external partners, such as the United Nations, NATO and professional bodies in the UK, to bring their research to bear on some of the most pressing contemporary legal challenges. Professor Schmitt’s appointment will further strengthen this team.

Professor Schmitt will take up his new role in September 2016.