Carlissa Carson

Carlissa Carson is an Assistant Professor of Law at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. She previously served as an adjunct professor at Emory Law and managed Emory’s Volunteer Clinic for Veterans. She holds a JD from Emory Law and an LLM in International Law and Human Rights from Georgetown Law. Her research focuses on military law, veterans’ legal issues, international human rights, and administrative law. Notable publications include works on war powers, veterans’ benefits, and military commissions reform. She has received multiple accolades including the Marshall-Tuttle Award (2023) and Meritorious Service Medal (2022).

Carson is a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force (Air National Guard), serving as staff judge advocate for an air refueling wing. She previously served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer and judge advocate. Her career includes roles as litigation counsel at Freeman Mathis & Gary and district counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Her scholarship intersects legal frameworks governing military operations, veterans’ rights, and international humanitarian law. Recent articles address reforming outdated legal doctrines like McDonnell Douglas and addressing environmental hazards faced by military personnel. She advocates for systemic changes in national security policy and veterans’ healthcare through her academic work.