Departure from State Department Legal Office May Increase Risk of Trump Administration Violating the Law

The Trump administration has triggered a significant exodus from the State Departments Office of the Legal Adviser, raising fears that key legal expertise on international law may be diminished, according to former officials.

Known as L, the office serves as the primary authority for determining whether U.S. government policies and actions adhere to international law. Under President Trump, the office has experienced significant reductions in staff, potentially limiting its role in evaluating major international actions, including controversial strikes on vessels in the Caribbean Sea, which some experts and lawmakers have labeled illegal and an abuse of power.

In 2025 alone, more than 60 staff members have left the office, which traditionally employs 200 to 300 personnel. Christina Sanford, who departed in November after nine years as an assistant legal adviser overseeing one of Ls 23 divisions, noted that seven senior executives had resigned, including two deputy legal advisers, positions traditionally held by only four officials. Additional staff left just this week.

Former officials expressed concern that the departures and political pressures have strained the office, affecting the quality and thoroughness of legal reviews. Sanford described a culture where expedited timelines and political interference hindered careful consideration of complex international issues.

The shake-up coincides with broader efforts by the Trump administration to downsize the State Department, including the elimination of the Office of Global Criminal Justice, previously responsible for cross-border legal issues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that its functions would be absorbed by L. Workforce reductions, offered through voluntary resignations and layoffs, have spurred low morale and widespread apprehension among career staff.

The American Foreign Service Association highlighted that in under a year, a quarter of Ls workforce departed, warning that speaking truth to power is being turned into an occupational hazard.

Former staff indicate that the offices reduced capacity may impact the administrations legal evaluations of actions in the Caribbean, where U.S. strikes have killed at least 87 people since September. Legal scholars and former military lawyers have criticized the strikes as potentially unlawful, arguing they constitute extrajudicial killings under international human rights law. Questions remain about whether L attorneys have fully assessed the legality of these operations internally.

The departures also threaten Ls ability to advise on broader foreign policy initiatives, including peace negotiations and diplomatic efforts. Former officials warn that the loss of institutional knowledge and experience could affect future administrations ability to implement policies with strong legal grounding.

Reed Rubinstein, appointed to lead L, comes from a politically conservative background and has expressed controversial positions on international legal bodies, prompting concerns that the office may shift away from traditional legal norms.

Sanford, reflecting on her decision to retire early, emphasized that experienced civil servants play a crucial role in guiding decision-makers. Without their expertise, policies may proceed without fully understanding the legal risks or obligations involved.

Author: Logan Reeves