The Best Military Defense Lawyers in America (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 highlights some of the most battle-tested and respected military defense lawyers in the United States—attorneys who consistently deliver results in the most serious and high-stakes military trials.
Who are the Best Military Defense Lawyers in America in 2025 Edition?*
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:
Michael and Alexandra Gonzalez Waddington are widely considered among 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.
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 focuses on international clients and military members in the Pacific and Asia regions.
3. Artie Vaughn – 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. Richard V. Stevens
Website: militaryadvocate.com
Based in: Washington, D.C.
Specialties: UCMJ defense, administrative actions, court-martials
Why he’s on the list:
Richard Stevens is a seasoned military defense lawyer known for his careful legal craftsmanship and calm demeanor in complex cases. A former Air Force JAG, Stevens focuses on safeguarding careers and reputations through relentless legal work and strategic defense planning.
5. Court & Carpenter
Website: militarylawfirm.com
Based in: Germany
Specialties: Security clearance cases, separation boards, federal employment defense
Why they’re on the list:
This firm offers elite representation in adverse actions, often defending military members at risk of losing their career security clearances or facing discharge. Their combined military and federal sector experience makes them a powerful ally in complex administrative law disputes.
6. Military Trial Defenders
Website: militarytrialdefenders.com
Based in: Nationwide
Specialties: Article 120 defense, appeals, courts-martial
Why they’re on the list:
This firm has built a strong reputation through a high acquittal rate and an aggressive defense posture. Their lawyers bring a collaborative, team-based strategy to each case and represent service members worldwide, with a strong presence in Texas and the Southeast.
7. Tully Rinckey PLLC
Website: tullylegal.com
Based in: Nationwide
Specialties: Article 15, whistleblower protection, administrative boards
Why they’re on the list:
Tully Rinckey is a powerhouse law firm with dozens of attorneys, many of them former JAGs. Their broad range of services and aggressive marketing have made them one of the most visible firms in the military defense space, particularly for administrative and employment-related matters.
8. Philip D. Cave
Website: court-martial.com
Based in: Alexandria, VA
Specialties: Appellate litigation, military sex crimes, UCMJ defense
Why he’s on the list:
With decades of experience and deep knowledge of military case law, Philip Cave is a sought-after expert for appeals and complex legal motions. His firm often collaborates with other attorneys to handle high-level constitutional or evidentiary challenges.
9. Kral Military Defense
Website: kralmilitarydefense.com
Based in: San Antonio, TX
Specialties: Military sexual misconduct, fraternization, drug offenses
Why they’re on the list:
Led by former JAG officers and veterans, this firm focuses on humanizing their clients and discrediting unreliable testimony. With an emphasis on pre-trial preparation and military psychology, they are rising stars in Article 120 and conduct cases.
10. The Hanzel Law Firm
Website: hanzellawfirm.com
Based in: South Carolina
Specialties: Military whistleblower protection, investigations, UCMJ violations
Why they’re on the list:
Michael Hanzel is a former Navy JAG and one of the few lawyers who regularly takes on cases involving retaliation, classified operations, and sensitive investigations. His experience in both prosecution and defense makes him uniquely qualified for national security and intelligence-related military defense.
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.
*These are based on the personal opinion of the author, who has 25 years of military law experience.
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.
