UDM Events

UDM law degree helps Dorwin '93, serve in Iraq
Summer 2006

Lieutenant Commander Thomas Dorwin ’93, has been an active duty Judge Advocate in the U.S. Navy since graduation from the School of Law. He was assigned in October 2005 to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq for a one-year tour of duty. Dorwin works as an attorney advisor for a unique office known as the Regime Crimes Liaison Office (RCLO). The RCLO assists the Iraqi Special Tribunal (IST) with all aspects of the investigations and prosecutions involving Sadaam Hussein and other high-ranking members of his regime.

The crimes falling under the purview of the IST focus mainly on genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The office is staffed by a group of attorneys from the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as assistant U.S. attorneys, F.B.I. special agents and U.S. marshals.

“Working closely with our Iraqi counterparts, the office has gathered literally millions of documents and taken thousands of witness statements supporting the cases against the former regime, while also assisting them with establishing rules and procedures that comport with international law and ensure adequate due process,” says Dorwin. “I take considerable pride in being part of this process and seeing first hand the heroic sacrifices made by my Iraqi counterparts and the coalition troops to stabilize this nation and institute a just and equitable rule of law.”