Kyndra Rotunda

Kyndra Rotunda is a Professor of Military & International Law and Executive Director of the Military and Veterans Law Institute at Chapman University within the Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. A former U.S. Army Major in the JAG Corps, she gained national prominence through high-profile roles including legal advisor at Guantanamo Bay, prosecutor in military commissions, and counsel to Jessica Lynch after her rescue during the Iraq War. After military service, she served as Wyoming State Planning Coordinator under Governor Dave Freudenthal before transitioning to academia.

• Education: BA and JD from University of Wyoming

Rotunda specializes in military law, veterans' rights, and legal reform related to sexual assault/harassment in military systems. Her research focuses on discharge upgrade advocacy for veterans, PTSD-related legal issues, and intersection of civilian/military legal frameworks. She founded the first Veterans Law Clinic at George Mason School of Law (2006) and expanded it into a standalone Institute at Chapman (2010), securing millions in funding while pioneering medical-residency-style legal training for law students.

Her publications include Honor Bound: Inside the Guantanamo Trials (2008), Military & Veterans Law (2011), and Civil Protections for Servicemembers (2017). Her work has been cited in congressional debates and national media including Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Daily Journal, and Time Magazine. She frequently consults on military documentaries and provides expert commentary on Fox News, CNBC, and NPR.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Woman Making a Difference Award (California State Senate)
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Million Dollar Club (Chapman University for fundraising)

Rotunda co-founded Berkeley Law's Veterans Legal Practicum and maintains active partnerships with organizations like Legal Aid Society of Orange County. Her advocacy includes congressional testimony on military voting rights, detainee policy, and VA reforms. She directs pro bono representation for active-duty personnel and veterans while serving as a public intellectual through American Bar Association Magazine articles and nationwide speaking engagements.