Originally published in the spring 2026 Update Magazine.
Pensacola Christian College alumnus Joshua D. Dunlap (Pre-law ’05) serves as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. His deep appreciation for the law inspires him to uphold the liberties that helped our founders build the United States. “Those liberties are a unique heritage,” he shared, “and ought to be treasured and protected.”
A Love for Law
From a young age, Dunlap had an interest in government. In high school, he took an elective on constitutional law. Learning about the Constitution in depth and the lengths the founding fathers took to ensure liberty and justice for all, Dunlap was inspired to pursue a career in law. “I realized that a legal career might allow me to play some small part in passing on our heritage of ordered liberty to the next generation,” he said.
“I realized that a legal career might allow me to play some small part in passing on our heritage of ordered liberty to the next generation.”
Knowing he wanted to study law in a place that would encourage his Christian walk, Dunlap applied to PCC. While on campus, he learned many valuable lessons, including the importance of hard work. “I found that the excellent [educational] foundation I received at PCC allowed me to navigate the challenges of law school successfully, obtain a federal clerkship, and enter private practice at an excellent firm,” he said. “In my view, the training I received [at the College] was easily as good as, or better, than what was provided to other undergraduate students from ivy league schools.”
Dunlap also learned important lessons about leadership. During his academic career, Hurricane Ivan made landfall and caused severe damage to Pensacola and the panhandle’s surrounding cities. The hurricane left the PCC campus without power or running water for several days. “During that time,” Dunlap explained, “I remember seeing President Horton humbly carrying potable water when I’m sure he could have asked someone else to help him.”
Dunlap continued, “That small insight into his character was a vivid example for me. No matter what a person’s role, humility is one of the most important character traits that a person can develop; it is perhaps one of the most essential traits a person in leadership needs to demonstrate.” After graduating in 2005, Joshua Dunlap used the lessons he learned at PCC and applied for law school at Notre Dame University.
“No matter what a person’s role, humility is one of the most important character traits that a person can develop.”
Graduating from law school with his Juris Doctor summa cum laude in 2008, Dunlap served as a federal clerk for Judge Paul J. Kelly, Jr. on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. “My clerkship with Judge Kelly was a true highlight,” he shared. “I had the opportunity to learn under the mentorship of a wonderful judge who cared about faithfully and fairly applying the law.”
After working with Judge Kelly, Dunlap began working in private practice in Portland, Maine. Because he gained a reputation for his hard work and fair judgment, President Donald Trump nominated Dunlap to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in July 2025. In November, the Senate confirmed his nomination.
Justice for All
As a judge on the First Circuit, Joshua Dunlap hears many different cases, all with varying subjects and themes. Some deal with criminal law, others administrative or constitutional law, immigration law, and even lawsuits. “The unifying theme of these cases,” he explained, “is the need to interpret and apply federal law.”
Dunlap and every other judge on the court will hear around a dozen argued cases a month, as well as look over cases that are submitted on briefs. “The ultimate challenge I face is to try to reach the correct answer and then present my conclusion in a manner that is both accessible to the parties and useful for future judges and litigants,” he shared. “In my view, it is much like working out logic puzzles.”
Using his knowledge of the Constitution and his passion for justice, Dunlap strives to make a lasting difference—much like the founding fathers he learned about in high school. Each day, he does his best to fulfill his oath to “administer justice without respect of persons,” to “do equal right to the poor and rich,” and to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
A Faithful Servant
Serving on the First Circuit Court can get stressful at times. But during the challenges he faces, Dunlap makes it a point to remember Who is his biggest supporter. “God’s love is both measureless and individual,” Dunlap explained. “He loves each of us specifically. Knowing His love enables us to trust Him in any circumstance, no matter how difficult.”
“God’s love is both measureless and individual.”
Confident in his Creator’s love, Dunlap judges to the best of his abilities. “God has a purpose and design for each of us; we can always seek to do the next right thing and trust God to direct providentially,” he said. Dunlap further explains that in trusting God and trying to do what was right, God gave him his current opportunity as a judge of the First Circuit.
Joshua Dunlap encourages the younger generation to also follow God and do the next right thing. “A friend once told me to aim high,” he shared. “That was sound advice: we should aim to be the best we can be at whatever calling we undertake. If we do so, we won’t have cause for regret.”