John Bellinger Awarded the French National Order of Merit

John Bellinger, co-chair of Arnold & Porter's Global Law and Public Policy group, was awarded France's Ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit) on October 18, 2023, for his contributions to international law.

"More than ever, we need people like John who bring international law to life by using it to pursue peace," Ambassador of France to the United States Laurent Bili said while presenting Bellinger with the distinction.

France's National Order of Merit, the country's highest award for non-French nationals, is given to individuals who demonstrate "acts of devotion, bravery, generosity, real merit or a measurable commitment to serving others or France." The honor was established in 1963 by French President Charles de Gaulle to reward "distinguished merit" and "encourage the lifeblood of the country."

A globally recognized authority on international law, Bellinger advises a broad range of U.S. and international clients on complex and politically sensitive issues and legal disputes. He previously served as the Senate-confirmed Legal Adviser for the U.S. Department of State, Senior Associate Counsel to the President, and Legal Adviser to the National Security Council (NSC) at the White House in the George W. Bush Administration.