Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have built their legal practice on a foundation of service, advocacy, and military experience. From enlisted beginnings to commanding roles, their personal and professional lives are rooted in defending those who serve the nation. With decades of experience handling the most complex and high-stakes military cases worldwide—from the Pentagon to deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Europe, and Asia—they bring battlefield-tested strategy and courtroom precision to every client. Beyond the courtroom, they shape the next generation of military lawyers through teaching, writing, and mentorship, ensuring that their legacy of service and excellence continues.
“Defending
those who defend
America.”
Michael Waddington (click here for full bio) is one of the world’s most respected military criminal defense attorneys. With over two decades defending U.S. service members in the toughest and most high-stakes cases, Michael has fought—and won—across the globe, from Afghanistan and Iraq to Europe, Asia, and the Pentagon. An author, trial strategist, and internationally recognized advocate, he brings battlefield-tested expertise to every courtroom.
Michael’s career combines real-world military experience with exceptional legal skill. He has defended service members in war crimes, sexual assault, SHARP and SAPR allegations, murder, violent offenses, domestic violence, classified intelligence cases, and complex operational investigations. Known for taking on cases others consider unwinnable, Michael personally leads each defense, crafting strategies from scratch with relentless preparation and precise courtroom instincts.
Beyond the courtroom, Michael serves as an adjunct professor at Florida International University College of Law, teaching graduate-level courses on the Law of Armed Conflict. His instruction blends operational experience with legal principles, shaping the next generation of military lawyers who advise and defend those in uniform.
Service runs in Michael’s family. He enlisted in the Army at eighteen, following the path of his brothers, all of whom became officers. His law partner and wife, Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, shares a commitment to defending service members. Their children continue the tradition—Alexander served in Afghanistan before earning a law degree, and their daughter is completing her final year of law school. For the Gonzalez-Waddingtons, defending others is not just a career; it is a legacy.
Outside the courtroom, Michael is the co-author of The Art of Trial Warfare series and Kick-Ass Closings: A Guide to Giving the Best Closing of Your Life,. He’s also the creator of the widely used Pattern Cross-Examination books for sexual assault, forensic, DNA, and expert witness cases. His books are used by military and civilian lawyers around the world. When he’s not teaching lawyers how to win, he’s training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, preparing for the next battle.
He is the co-author of numerous ground-breaking legal books, including:
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington (click here for full bio) is a nationally respected trial lawyer, author, and military justice expert. As co-founder of Gonzalez & Waddington, she has spent over two decades defending service members worldwide—from Privates to Special Operations Command—combining tactical courtroom strategy with relentless preparation.
Alexandra began her legal career as a public defender in Georgia’s Augusta Judicial Circuit, honing her skills on serious criminal cases. She now defends military personnel accused of sexual assault, war crimes, murder, classified violations, and domestic violence across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Known for breaking down hostile witnesses on cross-examination and her calm but commanding courtroom presence, she personally co-tries all cases with Michael Waddington, forming one of the most powerful defense teams in military law.
Together with her husband, Michael Waddington, Alexandra has built a reputation for taking on impossible cases—and winning. Their partnership combines operational experience, legal mastery, and strategic precision, providing elite defense for those who serve the nation.
Alexandra trains military and civilian lawyers how to win difficult trials through her books, lectures, and private coaching. When she’s not in court, she’s sharpening her edge through fitness and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—living with the same discipline she defends her clients.
In a system built to convict, Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is a defender by instinct, training, and design. She fights for the accused with brains, backbone, and battlefield-tested resolve.
She is the co-author of numerous groundbreaking legal books, including:
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington (click here for full bio) is a nationally respected trial lawyer, author, and military justice expert. As co-founder of Gonzalez & Waddington, she has spent over two decades defending service members worldwide—from Privates to Special Operations Command—combining tactical courtroom strategy with relentless preparation
Alexandra began her legal career as a public defender in Georgia’s Augusta Judicial Circuit, honing her skills on serious criminal cases. She now defends military personnel accused of sexual assault, war crimes, murder, classified violations, and domestic violence across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Known for breaking down hostile witnesses on cross-examination and her calm but commanding courtroom presence, she personally co-tries all cases with Michael Waddington, forming one of the most powerful defense teams in military law
Together with her husband, Michael Waddington, Alexandra has built a reputation for taking on impossible cases—and winning. Their partnership combines operational experience, legal mastery, and strategic precision, providing elite defense for those who serve the nation
Alexandra trains military and civilian lawyers how to win difficult trials through her books, lectures, and private coaching. When she’s not in court, she’s sharpening her edge through fitness and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—living with the same discipline she defends her clients.
In a system built to convict, Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington is a defender by instinct, training, and design. She fights for the accused with brains, backbone, and battlefield-tested resolve.
She is the co-author of numerous groundbreaking legal books, including:
