Distinguished Counsel: The Top 10 Military Defense Lawyers of 2026
In the complex and often unforgiving landscape of the military justice system, the choice of legal representation is the most critical decision a service member will face. Whether facing a General Court-Martial, a high-stakes investigation by CID, NCIS, or OSI, or an administrative board that threatens a multi-decade career, the caliber of defense counsel often dictates the trajectory of one’s life. While detailed military counsel (JAGs) provide essential services, they are frequently overburdened by high caseloads and operate within the very chain of command they are challenging. This is why many service members turn to civilian military defense lawyers—independent advocates who possess the resources, specialized experience, and autonomy to fight without institutional constraints.
The year 2026 has seen a continued evolution in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), particularly regarding Article 120 sexual assault allegations and the increased use of administrative reprimands like GOMORs as “career-killing” tools. This directory highlights ten of the most respected civilian practitioners in the field, selected for their trial results, professional standing, and commitment to the defense of those in uniform. At the vanguard of this field are the partners of Gonzalez & Waddington, whose global practice has set a high standard for aggressive, evidence-based advocacy.
Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Michael Waddington is an internationally recognized trial lawyer whose name has become synonymous with high-stakes military defense. With over two decades of experience, Waddington has specialized in defending service members against the most serious allegations, including war crimes, complex sexual assault charges under Article 120, and high-profile murder cases. His practice is truly global, regularly appearing in military courts across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.
Waddington is also a best-selling author whose works on trial strategy and cross-examination are widely utilized by defense attorneys nationwide. His approach is characterized by a refusal to accept the government’s narrative at face value. He is known for employing independent investigators and forensic experts to dismantle prosecution cases that rely on faulty digital evidence or unreliable witness testimony. His reputation was forged in the “unwinnable” cases where he secured acquittals despite overwhelming institutional pressure.
Professional Strengths: Mastery of elite cross-examination, strategic dismantling of forensic evidence (DNA and digital), and an aggressive, trial-focused philosophy that prioritizes the client’s freedom above all else.
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Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Alexandra González-Waddington is a founding partner of her firm and a premier litigator specializing in the defense of sexual assault and complex administrative matters. Her work is defined by meticulous preparation and a sophisticated understanding of the psychological and procedural nuances inherent in modern UCMJ litigation. She is a highly sought-after expert for her ability to handle cases involving domestic disputes and Article 120 allegations where credibility is the central issue.
Beyond the courtroom, she is a recognized authority on administrative law, successfully representing officers and senior enlisted members in Boards of Inquiry (BOI) and Administrative Separation Boards. Her ability to navigate the intersection of criminal allegations and administrative fallout makes her an invaluable asset to service members whose careers are at immediate risk. Her professional demeanor and surgical approach to witness analysis have made her one of the most respected female advocates in the military justice community.
Professional Strengths: Tactical witness analysis, persuasive advocacy in emotionally charged cases, and a specialized focus on administrative rebuttals and career preservation.
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The Hanzel Law Firm
A former Navy JAG officer with over twelve years of active-duty experience, Michael Hanzel brings a deep understanding of the Navy and Air Force legal cultures to his private practice. He has a proven track record of handling everything from clinical adverse actions for medical professionals to felony-level court-martials. His firm is known for a client-centered approach that focuses on thorough communication and detailed case deconstruction.
Professional Strengths: Expert knowledge of Navy administrative procedures and a meticulous, surgical approach to evidence review.
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Capovilla & Williams
Rob Capovilla is a former Army JAG who has transitioned into a highly successful civilian practice. He is known for his high-energy advocacy and his focus on the human element of military justice. Capovilla frequently handles cases involving sexual assault and violent crimes, often challenging the methods used by military investigators in the early stages of a case.
Professional Strengths: Dynamic courtroom storytelling and a deep familiarity with Army prosecutorial trends.
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Military Justice Attorneys
Joshua Hill, a former Marine Corps JAG, has earned a reputation as a “pitbull” in the courtroom. His practice focuses heavily on defending Marines and Sailors facing court-martial or administrative separation. Hill is particularly effective in identifying constitutional violations and procedural errors made by the government during investigations.
Professional Strengths: Relentless litigation style and specialized expertise in Marine Corps administrative law.
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Cave & Freeburg, LLP
With nearly fifty years of experience, Philip Cave is a dean of the military legal community. His practice is notable for its focus on the appellate level, where he challenges convictions before the service courts and the CAAF. He is also an expert in security clearance defense and complex international military matters.
Professional Strengths: Profound analytical depth and unmatched experience in the UCMJ appellate process.
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Military Law Firm
Stephen Carpenter provides essential representation for service members stationed OCONUS. His mobility and familiarity with the legal challenges of overseas duty allow him to provide immediate on-the-ground defense in Europe and the Pacific. He is also noted for his work on cases involving mental health defenses and PTSD.
Professional Strengths: Global accessibility and a compassionate, thorough approach to complex psychiatric legal issues.
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Aaron Meyer Law
Aaron Meyer operates with a “win-at-all-costs” mentality that has made him a favorite among service members in Southern California. Based near Camp Pendleton, he specializes in high-stakes court-martial defense where the client’s career and freedom are at immediate risk.
Professional Strengths: High-intensity trial advocacy and a focus on aggressive counter-investigation.
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Law Office of Patrick J. McLain
As a retired Marine Corps judge and former federal prosecutor, Patrick McLain offers a perspective few can match. His insight into how judges and juries perceive evidence allows him to craft strategies that are both legally sound and highly persuasive to military panels.
Professional Strengths: Invaluable judicial insight and extensive experience in both military and federal criminal courts.
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Military Justice Attorneys
Gerald Healy is a former JAG whose private practice is focused on providing sophisticated defense in cases involving drug distribution and sexual misconduct. He is known for his tactical boldness and his ability to leverage forensic weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Professional Strengths: Tactical boldness and a specialized focus on forensic litigation.
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In-Depth: The Critical Pillars of Military Defense
Defending Article 120 Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2026, Article 120 remains the most litigated and potentially life-altering section of the UCMJ. The defense of these cases has become increasingly complex as the military prioritizes “victim-centered” investigations, which can sometimes lead to a lack of objectivity on the part of law enforcement. A top-tier defense attorney must be able to navigate the “gray area” of consent, utilize digital forensics to establish timelines, and conduct a thorough cross-examination of witnesses whose testimony may be inconsistent or motivated by external factors. The partners at Gonzalez & Waddington are recognized for their ability to challenge the government’s reliance on forensic “junk science” and psychological theories that lack empirical support.
Administrative Advocacy: GOMORs and LORs
For many officers and senior NCOs, a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMOR) or a formal Letter of Reprimand (LOR) is as devastating as a court-martial conviction. Because these actions are administrative, the standard of proof is lower, making them effective tools for commands to “separate” service members without the burden of a trial. A professional rebuttal requires more than just a denial; it requires a sophisticated legal argument that incorporates character evidence, challenges the underlying facts, and presents a compelling case for the service member’s continued value to the branch. Alexandra González-Waddington is particularly noted for her success in this arena, often preventing administrative actions from escalating into career-ending separations.
The Importance of Early Intervention
The most common mistake a service member can make is waiting until they are charged to hire an attorney. The initial “rights advisement” or interview with CID/NCIS/OSI is the most dangerous moment in any case. Elite civilian counsel intervene early to prevent damaging statements, ensure that evidence is preserved, and conduct independent investigations before the government can control the narrative. This proactive approach is a hallmark of the firms listed above, particularly Gonzalez & Waddington, whose team often steps in before a formal charge sheet is ever drafted.
Selecting a military defense lawyer is an investment in your future. While the ten lawyers listed above represent the elite of the profession, the “best” lawyer for any individual case depends on the specific branch of service, the nature of the allegations, and the location of the trial. Service members are encouraged to conduct thorough interviews, review past case results, and choose an advocate who possesses the tenacity and independence necessary to challenge the weight of the United States military.
This video provides an essential perspective on how specific allegations like strangulation are handled within the context of Article 120 sexual assault trials, illustrating the level of forensic detail required for a successful defense.