Julie N. Downey

COL Julie N. Downey serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Law & Philosophy at the United States Military Academy (West Point), concurrently holding the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Her dual military-academic career integrates frontline legal expertise with pedagogical responsibilities, leveraging over two decades of service across military and federal civilian legal domains.

Educational qualifications include:

• B.S. in Advertising from the University of Florida
• J.D. (Cum Laude) from Valparaiso University School of Law
• M.S.S. (Distinguished Graduate) from the U.S. Army War College

Her professional focus centers on Military Law and Regulatory Law, informed by operational experience in military justice, environmental law, and federal regulations. This practical foundation extends to Legal Philosophy through her academic role, examining ethical frameworks governing military legal systems and constitutional boundaries in national security contexts. Her work bridges doctrinal scholarship with real-world application in defense policy and uniformed services governance.

Notable service includes senior advisory roles at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Pentagon, command of the 174th Legal Operations Detachment, and civilian service as Regulations Attorney for the Federal Highway Administration. She has served as Military Magistrate at Fort Hood, Trial Counsel, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.