Prior to assuming the role of Chief of Protocol, he was the Director for Visits, Planning, and Diplomatic Affairs at the National Security Council.

[1][2] Lawler was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote on November 16, 2017 and sworn in as Chief of Protocol of the United States on December 1, 2017, with the rank of Ambassador.

[3] In June 2019, Lawler was accused of intimidating behavior towards staff and became the subject of an investigation by the State Department's Office of the Inspector General.

[4][5] He was suspended pending an official investigation on June 24, at which time his deputy, Mary-Kate Fisher, took over as Acting Chief of Protocol.

Lawler was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago and graduated from Bogan Computer Technical High School.