Joe Zengerle

A 39-year veteran of the American legal system, Joe Zengerle began his career as a Law Clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. He has also held positions with the high-profile law firms Shea & Gardner, Arnold & Porter LLP, and Bingham McCutchen. In 1997, Joe Zengerle accepted the position of Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society of DC. Over a 5-year span with the non-profit organization, Joe Zengerle doubled the benefits package for his 25-member staff; instituted new programs for healthcare, social work, and law reform; and established new office space and a memorial library. Additionally, Joe Zengerle continued to provide pro bono legal services to the disadvantaged.

As Executive Director of the Clinic for Legal Assistance to Servicemembers (CLAS) at the George Mason University School of Law, Joe Zengerle offers free legal support to U.S. soldiers on active duty. The clinic also assists the families of those stationed overseas. With the aid of veterans and individuals closely associated with the military, Joe Zengerle founded CLAS in 2004. CLAS was the first veterans association to break ground at the law school level.

Joe Zengerle has served and held leadership positions in multiple philanthropic causes, including the Agent Orange Settlement Fund, the Emeritus, and Council of Vietnam Veterans. He has written essays for notable publications such as The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and The National Law Journal. Joe Zengerle is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and the University of Michigan Law School. A former U.S. Army Captain, Joe Zengerle served five years in the Vietnam War. He is a dedicated husband and father of two sons.