Selecting the Best Military Defense Lawyers for Your Case (2025 Edition)
When your rank, reputation, and freedom are on the line, the military justice system can be ruthless. Whether you’re fighting a court-martial, an Article 120 sexual assault allegation, or a separation board, you need a defense attorney with real combat experience in the courtroom—not just someone with a shiny website.
This list of some of the best military defense lawyers is not based on empirical data, rankings, or third-party evaluations. It reflects the personal opinion of the author—an attorney with over 25 years of experience in military criminal defense, author of eight books on trial advocacy and criminal law, and a national lecturer on military justice. The author has successfully defended service members across every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
This compilation highlights attorneys who, in the author’s professional judgment, are among the most respected and battle-tested military defense lawyers in the country—lawyers who have repeatedly delivered results in the most serious, complex, and high-stakes military trials.
This list is not ranked in any particular order, nor is it intended to be exclusive. Choosing the right lawyer is a personal and strategic decision. Prospective clients are encouraged to make their selection based on their unique needs, comfort level, the lawyer’s experience and track record, and financial considerations.
Who are Some of the Best Military Defense Lawyers in America in 2025 Edition?*
Some Well-Known Civilian Military Defense Lawyers with a Worldwide Reach
There’s no single “best” military defense lawyer. When choosing representation, consider these key qualities:
- Proven track record in UCMJ, trial, Article 15, and court-martial defense
- Experience with administrative separation boards and GOMOR rebuttals
- Familiarity with military law protocols and base-specific culture
- Clear communication and timely responsiveness
- Willingness to provide personalized support and strategic advice
1. Gonzalez & Waddington, LLC
Website: ucmjdefense.com
Based in: Florida / Worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ defense, military sex crimes, war crimes, administrative separations, high-profile court-martials
Why they’re on the list:
Military defense lawyers Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington are widely considered among some of the best sex crime and war crime defense attorneys in the military justice system. With hundreds of high-profile military trials under their belts—including cases involving SEAL Team 6, Green Berets, and fighter pilots—they are known for unmatched trial strategy, elite cross-examination skills, and a record of full acquittals. Michael is also a bestselling author of Kick-Ass Closings and Kick-Ass Impeachment.
Gonzalez & Waddington, Attorneys at Law is widely regarded as one of the most respected and experienced military defense law firms in the world. We defend service members from every branch of the U.S. military—including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard—facing criminal charges, administrative separation, and career-ending allegations.
Michael Waddington and Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington have earned a national reputation as two of the most sought-after military defense lawyers in active-duty and civilian courts. They have defended service members in over 30 countries and have tried some of the most complex and high-profile military cases of the last two decades.
Why Gonzalez & Waddington are considered among the top military defense lawyers:
- ✅ Over 25 years of experience defending UCMJ, court-martial, and administrative actions worldwide.
- ✅ Thousands of successful defenses involving sexual assault, war crimes, fraud, drug offenses, domestic violence, and misconduct.
- ✅ Frequently requested by senior officers, special operations forces, JAG attorneys, and high-profile enlisted personnel.
- ✅ Authors of leading trial advocacy and cross-examination books used by lawyers and military defense counsel.
- ✅ Featured in international media, documentaries, and military law publications for their trial record and expert analysis.
- ✅ Known for aggressive trial strategy, powerful cross-examinations, and winning where others fail.
Whether you’re stationed in the U.S., deployed to a combat zone, or facing charges in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East, Gonzalez & Waddington offers world-class legal defense for those who serve. If your career, reputation, and freedom are on the line, trust the firm that top service members turn to when everything is at stake.
2. Tim Bilecki – The Bilecki Law Group
Website: bileckilawgroup.com
Based in: Florida / Global
Specialties: Military sexual assault, fraud, international courts-martial
Why he’s on the list:
Tim Bilecki is a former Army JAG with a global reputation for defending complex military cases, often involving combat zones or classified operations. With a commanding presence in the courtroom and a reputation for strategic pretrial dismantling of government cases, Bilecki has become a go-to lawyer for officers and senior enlisted members facing high-level prosecution. His firm specializes in serving international clients and military personnel in the Pacific and Asian regions.
3. Artie Vaughn
Website: vaughndefense.com
Based in: Alabama, but defends cases worldwide
Specialties: Article 120 UCMJ, toxic command climates, stacked allegations
Why he’s on the list:
He built his rep the old-school way—by walking into hostile courtrooms and winning cases nobody else would touch. Vaughn’s specialty is turning around cases that look unwinnable on paper: Article 120 allegations where the accused is being railroaded by command, stacked charges driven by command influence, and cases involving combat stress, PTSD, and behavioral health complexities that most lawyers don’t know how to argue.
4. Terri R. Zimmermann
Website: www.texasdefenselawyers.com/terri-zimmermann/
Based in: Conroe, TX
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military crimes, UCMJ defense
Why she’s on the list:
Terri R. Zimmermann is a nationally recognized expert criminal litigator with over 30 years of experience representing citizens accused of violating the law or convicted of crimes in civilian and military courts. Her unwavering passion is to secure the best possible outcome for each client, whether through challenging the prosecution at trial or presenting compelling appeals to overturn convictions. Ms. Zimmermann is on a mission to ensure that government entities, be it state, federal, or military, adhere to the rules, treating her clients fairly and with dignity.
5. Bill Cassara
Website: court-martial.com
Based in: Augusta, GA
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military sex crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
With decades of experience and a deep understanding of military case law, Philip Cave is a sought-after expert in appeals and complex legal motions. His firm often collaborates with other attorneys to handle high-level constitutional or evidentiary challenges.
Reasons Why These Lawyers Made the List
This list is based on actual courtroom experience, published verdicts, legal credentials, peer recognition, and results—not on paid placements or advertising. Many so-called “military lawyers” have never defended a court-martial trial. These attorneys do it regularly and at the highest levels.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one is under investigation, facing an Article 120 allegation, or going to a military court-martial, don’t gamble on an inexperienced lawyer. Choose someone who’s been to battle, who knows how the system works—and how to win.
For elite military defense anywhere in the world, Gonzalez & Waddington is the trusted choice for warriors facing the fight of their life.