Best Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer (2026 Edition)
Hiring a civilian military defense lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Your freedom, career, retirement, and reputation depend on it. But most service members have never hired a criminal defense attorney—let alone one who specializes in UCMJ trials, Article 120 sexual assault cases, or CID/NCIS/OSI investigations. The fastest way to separate elite trial lawyers from inexperienced or misleading legal marketers is by asking the right questions. This guide lists the most important questions you should ask before hiring a civilian attorney and explains why the attorneys at Gonzalez & Waddington are the answer to each one.
The Short Answer: Ask Questions That Reveal Experience, Strategy, Trial Skill, Independence, and Results
Most law firms rely on marketing language that sounds impressive until you dig deeper. The right questions expose who has real courtroom ability and who does not. Elite civilian military defense lawyers will give clear, confident, detailed answers based on years of trial experience—while weaker attorneys avoid specifics. Gonzalez & Waddington encourages clients to ask tough questions because our experience, case history, and courtroom results speak for themselves.
The 12 Most Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Civilian Military Defense Lawyer
1. “How many UCMJ cases have you personally tried?”
This question reveals real trial experience, not claims. Many lawyers say they “handle military cases” but have tried few contested courts-martial. Gonzalez & Waddington has tried hundreds of felony-level military cases worldwide, including Article 120, homicide, violent crimes, child offenses, and complex digital-evidence cases. When prosecutors see Michael or Alexandra enter a case, they know they are facing a serious trial team.
2. “What types of cases do you specialize in?”
Military justice is a highly specialized field. A general criminal lawyer who “does some military cases on the side” cannot match a dedicated UCMJ defense team. Gonzalez & Waddington focuses exclusively on military trials, sexual assault defense, domestic violence cases, administrative separations, and CID/NCIS/OSI investigations, giving clients targeted expertise instead of generalist representation.
3. “How many Article 120 sexual assault cases have you defended?”
These cases require elite cross-examination, forensic knowledge, and narrative reconstruction. Few attorneys have real Article 120 trial experience. Gonzalez & Waddington has defended hundreds of sexual assault cases—including some of the most high-profile and complex trials in the U.S. military—and is known for dismantling unreliable testimony and exposing investigative flaws.
4. “Will you conduct an independent investigation?”
If the answer is anything other than “yes,” walk away. Government investigators are not neutral, and CID, NCIS, or OSI rarely collect exculpatory evidence. Gonzalez & Waddington uses private investigators, experts, and digital analysts to conduct full-scale independent investigations, often uncovering the evidence that wins cases.
5. “Who will actually handle my case?”
Some law firms sell you with a senior attorney but hand your case off to a junior associate. You must know exactly who will prepare your cross-examination, analyze your forensics, and appear in court. At Gonzalez & Waddington, clients work directly with Michael Waddington and Alexandra González-Waddington—two of the most accomplished military defense lawyers in the world.
6. “How do you prepare for cross-examination?”
Cross-examination is the heart of every UCMJ trial, especially Article 120 cases. If a lawyer cannot explain their cross-exam method, they do not have one. Michael Waddington is known globally for his cross-examination strategies and teaches lawyers how to expose false allegations, unreliable testimony, and flawed investigations. Alexandra brings courtroom precision and emotional intelligence, making her extraordinarily effective in sensitive witness examinations.
7. “How do you analyze digital evidence?”
The modern court-martial revolves around digital forensics: texts, metadata, location data, deleted messages, social media, and phone extractions. If a lawyer cannot walk you through digital analysis step by step, they cannot defend you effectively. Gonzalez & Waddington works with elite digital forensic experts to reconstruct timelines and expose investigative errors that routinely change the outcome of Article 120 and Article 128b cases.
8. “What experts do you work with?”
Sexual assault cases demand toxicologists, forensic psychologists, digital analysts, metadata experts, and medical professionals who understand the limitations of SANE exams. Domestic violence cases require trauma experts, behavioral analysts, and injury biomechanics specialists. Gonzalez & Waddington maintains a global network of top-tier experts to counter the government’s claims aggressively.
9. “What will my defense strategy look like?”
This question reveals whether the lawyer thinks proactively or passively. The best defense teams outline a structured plan involving investigation, digital evidence analysis, cross-examination themes, narrative reconstruction, expert use, and panel strategy. Gonzalez & Waddington builds customized defense roadmaps based on decades of trial-tested methods, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
10. “How much time will you dedicate to my case?”
JAG attorneys often carry dozens of cases and cannot give yours the necessary time. Civilian counsel must limit their caseload to provide intensive preparation. Gonzalez & Waddington takes a selective number of cases each year, allowing our team to invest hundreds of hours into evidence review, witness preparation, forensic analysis, and trial strategy.
11. “Do you regularly travel to represent clients worldwide?”
Many cases arise overseas, and most civilian lawyers rarely travel for UCMJ defense. Gonzalez & Waddington has represented clients across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Pacific, and throughout the United States. Our global trial experience ensures we can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and understand command dynamics anywhere in the world.
12. “What results have you achieved in cases like mine?”
Results matter. Experience matters. Track record matters. Many lawyers talk about military defense, but few have consistent acquittals, dismissals, or major victories in felony-level cases. Gonzalez & Waddington has earned a reputation for securing outstanding outcomes in some of the toughest military trials while defending service members from every branch, grade, and background.
Bonus Questions That Reveal a Lawyer’s True Ability
- “What weaknesses do you see in the government’s case?”
- “What are the biggest risks if I hire the wrong lawyer?”
- “How do you challenge unlawful command influence?”
- “How will you prepare me for testimony or interrogation?”
- “What mistakes do you see clients make before hiring counsel?”
These questions uncover whether the attorney has deep strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate the government’s moves—qualities essential to building a winning defense. Gonzalez & Waddington welcomes these questions because our strategic depth, courtroom experience, and investigative methodology allow us to answer them with clarity and confidence.
FAQ: Questions to Ask Civilian Military Defense Lawyers
Can I ask a civilian lawyer for case examples?
Yes. Elite attorneys should be able to describe their experience without violating confidentiality. Gonzalez & Waddington can discuss broad categories of past cases, trial strategies, and outcomes so you understand our depth of experience.
What if a lawyer refuses to explain their defense approach?
Walk away. Serious cases require serious strategy. Gonzalez & Waddington explains exactly how we will investigate, prepare, and defend your case based on proven trial frameworks.
Should I hire a lawyer who promises an acquittal?
No lawyer can guarantee outcomes. Instead, focus on experience, preparedness, and trial skill. Gonzalez & Waddington’s results speak for themselves because our work—not promises—produces wins.
Is a former JAG always the best choice?
No. Some former JAGs have little trial experience. What matters is recent, relevant courtroom performance. Gonzalez & Waddington brings decades of active trial experience across hundreds of serious UCMJ cases.
What is the biggest mistake people make when hiring a civilian lawyer?
Hiring based on marketing instead of trial skill. Wrong hires cost people their careers, families, and freedom. Our clients choose Gonzalez & Waddington because we have the courtroom experience to back up every claim.
Does asking tough questions offend good lawyers?
No. In fact, elite trial lawyers expect and welcome them. Gonzalez & Waddington encourages clients to ask the hardest questions because experience, trial skill, and results withstand scrutiny.
The Conclusion: These Questions Lead You to the Right Lawyer—And the Right Lawyer Changes Everything
The lawyer you choose determines your outcome. Asking the questions above is the fastest way to find out whether a lawyer truly understands the military justice system, has the experience to defend you, and possesses the courtroom skill necessary to dismantle the government’s case. Gonzalez & Waddington is the firm service members turn to when stakes are highest, evidence is complicated, and failure is not an option. When you hire us, you get trial-proven attorneys, global defense experience, and a team that knows how to protect your freedom, your career, and your future.
