The Passing of Robert Mueller

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Robert (Bob) Mueller, who was renowned for his steadfast dedication to public service
and his pivotal role as the former Director of the FBI, passed away on March 20, 2026,
at the age of 81. He leaves behind a legacy that shaped American law enforcement and
justice. Mueller, a long-time NAFUSA member, had a distinguished public service career
and earned high military honors in Vietnam as a Marine Corps officer, including a
Bronze Star for valor.

Mueller began his long career with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 1976, later rising
to its top ranks. He served as an Assistant United States Attorney in San Francisco and
later Boston, for twelve years. He returned to government service in 1989 after working
as a partner in a Boston law firm, to serve as an assistant to Attorney General Dick
Thornburg. In 1990, he was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal
Division, holding this post until 1993, during which time he oversaw the investigation of
the Lockerbie bombing case and the prosecution of Manuel Noriega. He was appointed
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California in 1998 where he served until 2001
when he was nominated by President George W. Bush to be FBI Director. He was
sworn in on September 4, 2001, after unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate, a
week before the September 11 terrorist attacks. Mueller served as Director of the FBI
until 2013, including an additional two years beyond his ten-year term at the request of
President Obama. During this time, he focused on transforming the FBI into an agency
that could ably respond to terrorist threats while preserving the civil liberties of American
citizens. Many considered him to be the most influential Director since Hoover. He had a
reputation for being gruff, but his leadership, discipline and professionalism were
evident in each role, earning him widespread respect for his unwavering commitment to
upholding the rule of law.

Mueller’s influence within the Department of Justice was marked by his quiet strength,
meticulous attention to detail, deep sense of responsibility and dedication to public
service. He is survived by his wife, Ann, daughters Cynthia and Melissa and five
grandchildren.

Annual gathering of current and former U.S. Attorneys in Atlanta

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Seated from left front circling over to end at the front right:

Charles (“Charlie”) E. Peeler (Troutman Pepper), former U.S. Attorney for the Middle (Macon) District of Georgia (2017-2020)

Theodore (“Teddy”) S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (2025-present)

Michael J. Moore (Moore Hall, LLC), former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia (2010–2015)

William (“Will”) R. Keyes, U.S. Attorney for the Middle (Macon) District of Georgia (2025-present)

Judge William S. Duffey, Jr.; former U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (2001-2004)

Joe D. Whitley (Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP), former U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (1990-1993) and former U.S. Attorney for the Middle (Macon) District of Georgia (1981-1987)

Ryan K. Buchanan (McGuire Woods), former U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (2022-2025)

Peter D. Leary (Troutman Pepper), former U.S. Attorney for the Middle (Macon) District of Georgia (2022-2025)

Robert (“Bob”) L. Barr, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (1986-1990)

Sally Q, Yates (King & Spalding), former U.S. Attorney for the Northern (Atlanta) District of Georgia (2010-2015)

Death of Former Oklahoma U.S. Attorney and Federal Judge Timothy Leonard

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Timothy Leonard, former U.S. Attorney and federal judge in Oklahoma, and former NAFUSA member, passed away on March 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and dedication to justice. He was 86. Leonard was renowned for his commitment to public service, having served both as a U.S. Attorney and later as a judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma (1991-2026). His decades-long career was marked by his unwavering pursuit of fairness, service to his country and his many contributions to the legal community. Throughout his tenure, Leonard was known for his mentorship of young attorneys and his involvement in various civic initiatives.

He attended the University of Oklahoma on a four-year track scholarship and while there the OU tack team won three Big 8 Championships. He joined the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps after graduating OU law school and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After his military service, he returned to Oklahoma to practice law and in 1979 was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served as minority leader. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve as U.S. Attorney in 1989.

Colleagues and friends remember Leonard not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness and humility. His life is the subject of Tim Leonard, Son of the Panhandle, written by Bob Burke and Joe Heaton. He is survived by his wife Nancy to whom he was married for 58 years, his three children- Kirstin, Ryan and Tyler, their spouses and nine grandchildren.

Erin Nealy Cox Becomes Walmart’s Top Lawyer

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Erin Nealy Cox, former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas from 2017 to 2021 and NAFUSA Board of Directors member, will join retail giant Walmart on April 13 as it’s chief legal officer, executive vice president of global governance, and corporate secretary. She will succeed former DOJ official, and NAFUSA member, Rachel Brand, who stepped down as Walmart’s legal chief in January after having served in that position for nearly eight years. Prior to her appointment at Walmart, Nealy Cox served as a partner at the law firm Kirkland & Ellis, where she specialized in cybersecurity, workplace compliance, and government regulatory and internal investigations.

Nealy Cox’s experience is expected to significantly strengthen Walmart’s legal and regulatory teams. In her new role, she will work with new president and CEO John Furner as the top lawyer for the “biggest private employer in the U.S.” and will oversee a range of matters including corporate compliance, ethics, and risk management, helping to guide Walmart as it navigates an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

NAFUSA 2026 UPDATES

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Upcoming Events

Spring Board Meeting

The NAFUSA Board of Directors will convene for its annual spring meeting on April 10-11, 2026, at the Mountain Shadows Resort located just outside of Scottsdale, Arizona. During this gathering, the Board will focus on developing the program for the 2026 Annual Conference, which is scheduled to take place in St. Louis, Missouri, in October. Additionally, the Board will address other important NAFUSA business matters.

Membership Dues Reminder

If you have not yet paid your 2026 NAFUSA membership dues, please remember to do so. For any questions regarding membership, you are encouraged to reach out to Lisa Rafferty.

Conference Sponsorship Information

The names and contribution levels of sponsors for the 2026 Annual Conference will be posted on the NAFUSA website as they are received. Please take a moment to thank both our returning and new sponsors for their generous support of the organization and its annual conference. If you or your firm have not yet become a sponsor, please consider joining in support of NAFUSA.

New NAFUSA Life Member Brandon Fremin

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NAFUSA welcomed Louisiana native Brandon Fremin as a new member in February. Brandon served as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana (MDLA) from 2018 to 2021 under President Trump. A former Marine, Brandon served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 19th Judicial District of Louisiana,

Director of the Criminal Division for the Louisiana Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the MDLA prior to his appointment as U.S. Attorney. He is currently Managing Director at Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello.

NAFUSA Conference Opening Reception: A Night to Remember in St. Louis

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NAFUSA is set to kick off its annual conference with an elegant opening reception on
October 14, 2026. Conference attendees will be welcomed in style at the historic Union
Station Hotel in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri, sponsored again by longtime NAFUSA
supporter Guidepost Solutions.

Union Station Hotel is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. The hotel’s
grand halls, original 19th-century details, and modern amenities are a unique blend of
classic charm and contemporary sophistication. NAFUSA members will get a taste of St.
Louis hospitality as they gather to reconnect, network, and celebrate the beginning of the
conference.

We are pleased to welcome Guidepost Solutions, a leader in compliance, investigations,
and security consulting, to again sponsor the conference’s opening reception. The
reception is more than just a social gathering. Thanks to Guidepost Solutions’ generous
support, attendees will enjoy a memorable evening featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres,
signature cocktails, and an opportunity for NAFUSA members and guests to reconnect with
old friends and forge new connections.

Whether you’re a returning member or a first-time attendee, the evening promises a
welcoming atmosphere and a chance to engage with leaders in the legal community. Don’t
miss this exceptional start to the NAFUSA conference. Mark your calendar for October 8,
2026. Also consider becoming a sponsor for this year’s Conference. See the 2026 NAFUSA
Sponsor Brochure which is posted on the NAFUSA website.

NAFUSA Member Paul Coggins Releases New Book

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Former NAFUSA president Paul Coggins is back in the spotlight with his latest book
“Chasing the Chameleon” which is set for release March 6. Paul, who served as U.S.
Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, is both a successful criminal defense attorney
and an award-winning author. His legal thrillers reflect his courtroom and criminal law
experience as well as his knack for telling a good story, a trait many NAFUSA members have
witnessed. His latest book, which has already received positive reviews, continues the
series he has written featuring the adventures of fictional Dallas defense attorney Cash
McCahill.

Paul, who is the current NAFUSA Foundation President, clearly enjoys the intersection of practicing law and writing stories about it. According to him, “Being a federal prosecutor is the best job in the world. Writing about them is the second-best job.”

Michael Dunavant Reappointed as U.S. Attorney

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NAFUSA member Michael Dunavant was sworn in -again- on October 10, 2025, as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee. Mike served in the first Trump administration from 2017-2021 and is the first person to serve that district twice as the Presidential appointee. He served as the Deputy Executive Director of Legal Services & Policy for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference prior to his reappointment as U.S. Attorney.