On March 19, 2025, the National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Program, along with the National Security Law Association, hosted Renn Gade, Department of Defense Deputy General Counsel for Intelligence & Security, for a fireside chat that attracted students interested in the intersection of law and national security. Visiting Associate Professor of Law and National Security, Cybersecurity, and Foreign Relations Law Fellow Katie Kedian moderated the conversation.
During the event, Mr. Gade described what led him to law, how he developed his interest and expertise in intelligence law, and how the field has evolved during his career. He described structural changes implemented within the intelligence community as a result of recommendations in the 9/11 Commission Report, including the standup of the Directorate of National Intelligence and the National Counterterrorism Center, and the impact those changes had on cooperation within the U.S. government. Mr. Gade also talked about his strategies for successfully navigating management of his team of lawyers and providing guidance up the chain to senior officials.
During the audience Q&A, Mr. Gade responded to questions about how the field may evolve in the next 20 years – including with respect to the changing threat landscape and technological advances – as well as more general questions about ways in which students can best position themselves for legal roles in the intelligence community.
A key takeaway from the event was the important role that lawyers play in the intelligence community and the message that the field will need bright young lawyers in the years to come.