Charles N Purnell

Judge profile

This profile is summarized from public sources for background context only. It is not an ImmJudge evaluation.

Charles N. Purnell was appointed as an Immigration Judge to begin hearing cases in February 2023. Judge Purnell earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1984 from the California State University, Fullerton, a Juris Doctor in 1987 from Vanderbilt University Law School, and two Master of Laws in 2001 from George Washington University Law School and Georgetown University Law School, respectively. From 2018 to 2022, he served as assistant judge advocate general/chief judge, Department of the Navy in Washington. From 2015 to 2018, he served as chief judge of the Navy and Marine Corps Trial Judiciary in Washington. From 2014 to 2015, he served as the circuit judge of the Central Judicial Circuit in Norfolk, Virginia. From 2012 to 2014, he served as commanding officer, Defense Service Office Southeast, in Norfolk. From 2010 to 2012, he served as director, Defense Counsel Assistance Program in Washington. From 2009 to 2010, he served as director, Appellate Defense Division in Washington. From 2006 to 2009, he served as assistant staff judge advocate and staff judge advocate, U.S. Fleet Forces Command in Norfolk. From 1989 to 2006, he served as a judge advocate with the U.S. Navy in the following locations: Washington Navy Yard; Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO; National Naval Medical Center; the Pentagon; Amphibious Squadron THREE; and Great Lakes, Illinois. From 1987 to 1989, he was an associate with Watson, Ess, Marshall & Enggas in Kansas City, Missouri. In 2023, he retired as a rear admiral from the U.S. Navy. Judge Purnell is a member of the Missouri Bar.