United States 
Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
3 days ago
Edwin Meese has dedicated his career to public service, transitioning from legal counsel to a distinguished role in federal government, policy development, and legal academia.
Edwin Meese III is a Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow Emeritus and former Heritage Trustee. He oversaw special projects and acted as an ambassador for Heritage within the conservative movement. The Heritage Foundation's Center for Legal and Judicial Studies now bears his name, recognizing his contributions to constitutional law.
Edwin Meese has served as a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, where he lectures, writes, and consults on various subjects.
In 2006, Meese was named a member of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group, a special presidential commission tasked with examining resolutions for America's involvement in Iraq. He co-authored the group's final December 2006 report.
Edwin Meese is a member of the board of Cornerstone closed-end funds.
Edwin Meese is a member of the national advisory board of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education.
Edwin Meese is a member of the board of directors of the Federalist Society.
Edwin Meese is the second vice chairman of Landmark Legal Foundation, a conservative non-profit legal group.
Edwin Meese serves as an adjunct fellow at the Discovery Institute.
Edwin Meese is a member of the board of directors of the Junior State of America.
Edwin Meese is on the board of directors of the Capital Research Center, a conservative think tank.
Edwin Meese served on the executive committee (1994) and as president (1996) of the Council for National Policy (CNP), a conservative organization.
Edwin Meese was co-chairman of the Constitution Project's bipartisan Sentencing Committee.
Edwin Meese served two terms as a member of the board of visitors of George Mason University (1996-2004) and as rector (chairman) of the board (1998-2004). He is also a member of the board of directors of the Mercatus Center, located on George Mason University's Arlington campus.
In 2008, Meese was named the first-ever Honorary Reagan Fellow at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. He is a charter member of the Ronald W. Reagan Society of Eureka College and was a featured speaker at the 'Reagan and the Midwest' academic conference in 2011.
Meese serves as a member of the board of directors of the Mercatus Center, a non-profit market-oriented research, education, and outreach think tank located on George Mason University's Arlington campus.
The Republican National Lawyers Association annually bestows the 'Edwin Meese Award' to a notable Republican attorney or official.
Edwin Meese III was born on December 2, 1931, in Oakland, California. He attended Yale University, graduating in 1953, and subsequently earned a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1958. His early professional life included serving as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. This foundational legal experience positioned him for a significant career in both state and federal government.
Meese’s association with Ronald Reagan began during Reagan’s governorship of California, where Meese served as Legal Affairs Secretary from 1967 to 1968, and later as Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff from 1969 to 1974. He continued his work with Reagan, playing a critical role in the 1980 presidential campaign as chief of staff and heading the transition team after Reagan’s successful election. In the Reagan administration, Meese held the influential position of Counselor to the President from 1981 to 1985, participating in Cabinet and National Security Council meetings and acting as Reagan’s chief policy advisor.
His career culminated in his appointment as the 75th United States Attorney General, serving from February 1985 to August 1988. In this role, he directed the Justice Department, led efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime, and guided the formation of the Meese Report on pornography. After his government service, Meese joined The Heritage Foundation in 1988 as its first Ronald Reagan Distinguished Fellow, recognizing his contributions to conservative principles and constitutional law. He also co-authored the Iraq Study Group’s report in 2006, assessing the status of the Iraq War. His enduring commitment to public policy and legal principles has been recognized through various fellowships and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
